Duolingo, the popular language-learning app, has found itself at the center of a social media storm following the release of its latest app icon, which depicts the company’s beloved mascot, Duo the owl, in a sickly state. The redesign, intended as a playful nudge to keep users engaged, has instead provoked a wave of mixed reactions, with some users expressing genuine distress.
The new icon features Duo with red eyes, a sweaty brow, and a runny beak, giving the mascot the appearance of being unwell. The accompanying iPhone widget exacerbates the unsettling image, showing Duo swollen and despondent, with an additional widget bearing the message, "Tap to revive!" alongside an image of the owl lying on its back, seemingly lifeless.
This visual update is not the first time Duolingo has played with the emotions of its users. The mascot, known for its persistent and sometimes guilt-inducing reminders to complete daily lessons, has undergone various transformations over the years. In April, Duo appeared with heavy bags under his eyes, reflecting the exhaustion of constantly urging users to study. Last October, the app featured an icon of Duo appearing to melt, which Duolingo later explained was a temporary design meant to encourage users to open the app.
However, this latest depiction has struck a particularly sensitive chord with users. Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions ranging from confusion to outright alarm. One user reported experiencing a panic attack after seeing the icon, while another deleted the app entirely, stating they "didn't want anything that disgusting" on their home screen.
Despite the backlash, some users recognized the change as part of a deliberate marketing strategy. "They're trying to get people to post online about the app and it's working quite well", one Reddit user commented, noting the increased attention the app has received since the redesign.
For those who find the new icon disturbing, there are a few options to revert to a less alarming design. Subscribers to Super Duolingo or Duolingo Max can switch to alternative multicolored icons by tapping the Duo icon at the top right of the app, scrolling down to "Super App Icon" or "Max App Icon", and selecting "Turn On". Additionally, members of Duolingo’s exclusive Streak Society—those who have maintained a streak of app usage for at least 50 days—can change their icon to an orange Duo with burning eyes by following similar steps.
For users who do not fall into these categories, the unsettling icon may remain on their screens until Duolingo decides to revert to a more neutral design. In the meantime, the "sick" Duo continues to be a topic of discussion, highlighting the emotional connection many users feel with the app's mascot—and how easily that connection can be disrupted by a simple design change.
Commenti
Posta un commento