靠 AI起飞的千亿市值公司，如今要被AI“卷死”了？股价因GPT-5瞬间逆转、CEO亲承：我负有责任

Core Insights - Duolingo's stock price has experienced significant volatility, dropping 38% from its peak of $529.05 per share in May 2023, primarily due to backlash against its "AI-first" strategy and the recent demonstration of OpenAI's GPT-5 capabilities [1][4][6] - Despite public criticism, Duolingo's financial performance has improved, with a 40% year-over-year increase in daily active users, reaching 47.7 million, and a 24% increase in monthly active users to 128.3 million [2][3] - The introduction of 148 new language courses through generative AI has doubled the course offerings, showcasing the company's commitment to rapid content expansion [2] Financial Performance - Duolingo's revenue for the year is projected to exceed $1 billion, indicating strong growth despite the challenges faced [2] - The company's gross margin has exceeded management expectations due to reduced AI-related costs, contributing to its financial success [6] - Following the announcement of better-than-expected quarterly revenue, Duolingo's stock price surged nearly 30% [3] AI Strategy and Public Perception - CEO Luis von Ahn acknowledged the backlash against the AI strategy and emphasized the company's goal to reduce reliance on contractors while maintaining full-time staff levels [8] - The company has implemented weekly sessions to explore efficient AI usage, indicating a proactive approach to integrating AI into its operations [8] - Public sentiment on social media has been mixed, with some users expressing dissatisfaction with the AI features, yet the financial metrics suggest a different narrative [2][3] Competitive Landscape - The launch of OpenAI's GPT-5, which can create language learning tools from simple prompts, poses a competitive threat to Duolingo, highlighting the rapid advancements in AI technology [6][9] - Reports indicate that Google is preparing to launch a competing product that could further challenge Duolingo's market position [7] Legal Considerations - A law firm has announced an investigation into potential securities fraud or illegal business practices involving Duolingo and its executives, adding a layer of scrutiny to the company's operations [9]