Duolingo, one of the leading language-learning apps, has recently made headlines for its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in course development. The company has replaced contract writers and translators with AI technology, a move that has sparked both interest and concern among industry professionals.
The decision to integrate AI into Duolingo’s content creation process comes as no surprise, considering the growing trend of utilizing AI chatbots for various tasks. The ability of these bots to generate human-like text has attracted marketers and online publishing companies seeking to replace human writers. Low-paying entry-level positions have been particularly affected by this shift, and Duolingo’s contract workers have felt the impact firsthand.
While some skeptics argue that chatbots still require human editors to correct errors, the potential cost savings and increased efficiency drive companies to adopt AI tools for writing, translation, and graphic design.
Duolingo’s recent move has caused uproar among former contractors who were let go despite assurances that they wouldn’t be replaced by AI. As a result, the quality of the app’s lessons has reportedly suffered, leading to numerous errors detected by fired contractors themselves.
The language-learning app boasts over 100 courses in more than 40 languages, guiding learners through vocabulary and grammar lessons using interactive exercises. Duolingo spokesperson Sam Dalsimer clarified that the incorporation of AI is intended to bolster productivity and speed up the course development process, rather than replace human expertise entirely.
However, stories from former contractors raise doubts about the company’s commitment to finding alternative roles for those affected. Benjamin Costello, a Russian-language translator and musician who was fired, shares his disappointment in the declining quality of the courses he used to contribute to.
Duolingo’s successful growth and profitability have caught the attention of investors, with the company projecting significant revenue for 2023. CEO and co-founder Luis von Ahn has hailed AI as a tool for improving Duolingo’s business, leading to the introduction of AI features such as conversation mode and AI-generated sentences in lessons.
As technological advancements continue to disrupt traditional industries, the consequences for displaced workers remain a concern. Although some individuals may transition into better positions, the rise of gig and freelance work opens the possibility for greater disruption by AI, as contract workers without the same protections as full-time employees may be more vulnerable to job losses.
While the integration of AI in language learning offers potential benefits, the challenges and ethical implications surrounding automation and job displacement warrant further reflection and proactive measures to ensure a fair and seamless transition for workers in the evolving landscape.
The source of the article is from the blog j6simracing.com.br