Luis von Ahn: How to make learning as addictive as social media

How to make learning as addictive as social media

When technologist Luis von Ahn was building the popular language-learning platform Duolingo, he faced a big problem: Could an app designed to teach you something ever compete with addictive platforms like Instagram and TikTok? He explains how Duolingo harnesses the psychological techniques of social media and mobile games to get you excited to learn — all while spreading access to education across the world.

Bringing education to everyone requires more than just access, it demands engagement that rivals social media. By using the same psychological tools that keep people hooked on TikTok and Instagram, a language-learning app made study feel like play. More than three million users have maintained daily streaks for over a year, showing the power of these techniques. A model where wealthier users subsidize free learning for others helps spread opportunity worldwide.