Duolingo users are in turmoil over the app’s AI lessons

When Duolingo launched in 2012, the language-learning app became the poster child of gamification. The app is shameless and magnificent in its efforts to get users hooked on lessons with streaks, leaderboards, and timed challenges.

Many users — including me and my 1300-plus day streak — fell for Duolingo’s cartoon mascots and bizarre social media posts. The company has never been afraid to be belligerent in tone; Duo the owl is cute, but Duolingo has adopted a successful strategy of not…