Duolingo, the popular language-learning app, has sparked controversy with its latest update that removes a key feature for free users. According to numerous user reports, the app is testing the removal of the option to practice lessons to earn back “hearts” – the app’s system for limiting mistakes.
Previously, free users could practice old lessons to regain hearts after making mistakes. Now, many users report this option has disappeared, leaving them with only two choices when out of hearts: wait for hearts to regenerate over time or pay for the premium version. The main thread on Reddit has over 550 upvotes and 166 comments at the time of this writing, indicating that the community is indeed outraged with the move.
The heart system, a core mechanic of Duolingo, allows users to make a limited number of mistakes before being locked out of lessons. Traditionally, users could replenish hearts through practice exercises, watching ads, or waiting for them to regenerate over time. The removal of the practice option significantly impacts the learning experience for non-paying users. Here’s a screenshot shared by a user on X highlighting the UI now:
“It’s manufactured difficulty,” said one user. “You’re punishing free users to be perfect or don’t try at all, where paid users can make mistakes and learn.”
This change has been met with widespread criticism from the Duolingo community. Users argue it goes against the app’s educational mission by discouraging learning through trial and error. Many see it as a push towards forcing users into paid subscriptions.
“I know someone who uhm…found a way to have premium without paying. If this gets worse, I’ll just ask her what exactly she did,” one user commented, hinting at seeking out ways to pirate the premium version.
The impact appears to be particularly severe for those learning languages significantly different from their native tongue. As one user pointed out, “It punishes users for trying to learn languages that deviate substantially from their native languages (i.e., expanded phonetics or alternative writing systems).”
Duolingo moderators have stated this is currently an A/B test, meaning only some users are experiencing the change. However, the backlash has been swift, with many threatening to abandon the platform if the change becomes permanent.
“I will stop using Duolingo if I’m slightly inconvenienced,” one user stated. “Duo is a supplementary learning tool, not a primary.”
Some users have reported that the practice option reappears when they reach zero hearts, but disappears again after earning back one or two hearts. This inconsistency has added to the frustration and confusion among the user base.
That said, the outcome of this test could significantly influence the future of free language learning apps and their business models, too. Hopefully, the company considers the overwhelming amount of negative feedback as a sign to not move forward with this decision. We’ll keep tabs on the situation and will post an update if and when there are any further developments.
Cedar02-10-2024
I’m now on a 895 day unbroken streak, have really enjoyed my daily session and when needed I also felt the “practice to earn hearts” feature was helpful and encouraging. It’s really disappointing this feature was removed recently and I can’t always wait for the next free heart to appear. I can see my interest in Duolingo ceasing, what a pity.
22feetover01-10-2024
I’ve needed my practice to earn hearts to review more. The questions weren’t as taxing on my poor memory.
girwaffles26-09-2024
yeah I’m about to quit Duolingo and only use memrise.
Carol24-09-2024
I am very close to giving up on Duolingo, I have reached the end of the Spanish course so am now doing Daily Refresh which is tedious enough. Now the practise to earn hearts has gone so even Daily Refresh becomes impossible as once you run out of hearts you are stuck until they refresh which in itself is hit and miss. Competing in the leagues is pointless so all in all a rubbish experience now.
Annie 23-09-2024
This is a dreadful change, makes learning really difficult. It is impossible to earn enough points to pay to replace hearts lost by making mistakes therefore waiting and waiting for them to be replaced is the only viable option thus limiting the lessons. In short a total disaster for non sub users. Is the USP of free language learning now no longer an option, is Duolingo shooting itself in the foot ???
Jacquie Wiesner22-09-2024
So disappointing. Duolingo just changed the rules. Practice to earn hearts does slow down a user but allows the learner to continue. Time to look elsewhere.
Evan Holloway11-08-2024
People of Duolingo, please bring it back to the way it was. It’s going to keep me from getting monthly challenges.