Tarek Gara.

Writing / 15 February 2026

essay · 15 February 2026 · 9 min read

How AI killed the soul of the world's favorite language-learning app

On Duolingo's pivot from learning to engagement, and what 850 days of streaks failed to teach me.

Abstract. On Duolingo’s pivot from learning to engagement, and what 850 days of streaks failed to teach me.

Migration in progress.