The popular language-learning program Duolingo cut 10 percent of its contracted translators last month amid a generative AI push.

Duolingo is very much on the Enshittification path, seems like they fired a number of translators and have the rest just proofreading AI.

For the interested, here’s the place where you can request your personal data and delete your account

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Duolingo isn’t a good resource for learning a language, it’s focus is user retention

These two statements contradict each other. To learn a language you must practice it every day, week after week, month after month. It’s an appropriate application of addictive game mechanics, because our motivation doesn’t last long: 1-3 months for most people.

Duolingo might not be the best place to learn some languages (e.g. German), but it can be a very helpful tool for everyday practice. And stuff like streaks, leagues, and other things are rather helpful.

An advent calendar has user retention but it’s hardly a tool for learning languages

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Mate, just learn how to admit when you’re wrong. That’s a useful skill in life.

Does that not disprove your claim that user retention and learning contradict?

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