Duolingo was evaluating its workers’ AI use. Workers pushed back.
CEO Luis von Ahn said the company ‘backtracked’ from performance reviews that evaluated employees’ use of the technology.
Why are workers so worried about AI? Listen to how business leaders talk about it
The widespread fear among workers of being replaced by AI now or in the future has been well documented. Recent headlines about Block and Oracle and layoffs only amp up the worry among workers being asked to learn this new technology. And while some of the concerns about machines pushing humans out of their jobs might be a bit overstated, the anxiety is real.
The AI skills gap is already widening, report suggests
Anthropic’s latest report shows workers with greater ‘AI skills’ may do better in today’s job market
Why your employees aren’t using the AI you bought
Companies spent $37 billion on AI in 2025—but most employees still don’t know how to use it.