A recent wave of controversy has hit the language-learning platform Duolingo as users express their discontent over the company’s decision to replace human translators with AI technology. The issue was first brought to attention by a Reddit user known as No_Comb_4582 who claimed that Duolingo had terminated the contracts of a significant percentage of their translators, replacing them with AI-powered translations to save time and money.
The news quickly spread on Twitter, with users expressing their concerns about the impact of AI translations on the uniqueness and quality of language courses. No_Comb_4582 mentioned that the new model would generate content more quickly but would diminish the distinctiveness of each language. However, a Duolingo spokesperson defended the decision, stating that the reduction in contractor numbers was due to the company’s decreased need for their work, partly because of the implementation of AI technology.
The Bloomberg News report confirmed that Duolingo had let go of around 10% of their contractors, and the Reddit thread discussing the issue gained significant attention with over 2,100 upvotes and 567 comments. While many criticized Duolingo’s choice, expressing disappointment and skepticism about AI’s ability to match human translators, some users did not seem bothered by the change, believing that AI would eventually surpass human translation abilities.
The critics of Duolingo’s AI translations pointed out flaws such as mispronunciations, incorrect translations, and subpar practice material. Some users also expressed frustration at the idea of paying a premium for AI-generated content and voiced their intention to cancel their subscriptions. As a result, recommendations for alternative language-learning apps were exchanged among users.
Interestingly, despite the backlash, Duolingo continues to hire employees for various positions, including AI research engineers and localization program managers. The company also offers freelance opportunities, such as a Japanese language manager, although the nature of such roles in the future remains to be seen.
In conclusion, the decision by Duolingo to replace human translators with AI technology has sparked discontent among users. While the company emphasizes the efficiency and cost-saving benefits of AI translations, critics argue that it diminishes the uniqueness and quality of language courses. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how Duolingo will address the concerns raised by its user base.
The source of the article is from the blog regiozottegem.be