Source URL: https://simonwillison.net/2025/May/26/luis-von-ahn-on-linkedin/#atom-everything
Source: Simon Willison’s Weblog
Title: Luis von Ahn on LinkedIn
Feedly Summary: Luis von Ahn on LinkedIn
Last month’s Duolingo memo about becoming an “AI-first" company has seen significant backlash, particularly on TikTok. I’ve had trouble figuring out how much of this is a real threat to their business as opposed to protests from a loud minority, but it’s clearly serious enough for Luis von Ahn to post another memo on LinkedIn:
One of the most important things leaders can do is provide clarity. When I released my AI memo a few weeks ago, I didn’t do that well. […]
To be clear: I do not see AI as replacing what our employees do (we are in fact continuing to hire at the same speed as before). I see it as a tool to accelerate what we do, at the same or better level of quality. And the sooner we learn how to use it, and use it responsibly, the better off we will be in the long run.
My goal is for Duos to feel empowered and prepared to use this technology. No one is expected to navigate this shift alone. We’re developing workshops and advisory councils, and carving out dedicated experimentation time to help all our teams learn and adapt. […]
This really isn’t saying very much to be honest.
As an consumer-focused company with a passionate user-base I think Duolingo may turn into a useful canary for figuring out quite how damaging AI-backlash can be.
Via Hacker News
Tags: ai-ethics, ai, duolingo, generative-ai
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Luis von Ahn’s memo addresses the backlash against Duolingo’s shift toward becoming an “AI-first” company, emphasizing the importance of using AI responsibly rather than seeing it as a replacement for human employees. The focus is on empowering employees through guidelines, workshops, and collaboration as they adapt to AI technology.
Detailed Description:
Luis von Ahn, the CEO of Duolingo, shared his thoughts in a LinkedIn memo following a wave of backlash regarding the company’s transition to an “AI-first” strategy. His message reflects the ongoing tension within the tech community about the role of AI in business operations, especially concerning job security and employee roles. Some significant points from his address include:
– **Clarification of Intent:**
– Acknowledgment of earlier communication shortcomings regarding the role of AI at Duolingo.
– Emphasis on AI as a tool meant to enhance, not replace, employee contributions.
– **Commitment to Employees:**
– Assurance that hiring will continue at the same pace, signaling confidence in human talent alongside AI integration.
– Focus on empowering employees to embrace AI technology rather than feel threatened by it.
– **Supportive Measures:**
– Development of workshops and advisory councils aimed at helping employees adapt to the technological shift.
– Establishment of dedicated time for experimentation, allowing teams to engage with AI in a practical context.
– **Cultural Impact:**
– Observations of societal sentiment toward AI, suggesting that Duolingo may serve as a “canary” for understanding broader public reactions to AI technology in consumer-focused companies.
These points highlight the need for companies embracing AI to strike a balance between innovation and employee reassurance, ultimately proving instructive for professionals in AI, cloud, and infrastructure security as they navigate similar transformations within their organizations.