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Apps, Streaks, and Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation

Hi Language Buddy!

I want to talk about streaks in language learning, which are often associated with platforms like Duolingo and Babbel. Many people who use these platforms are highly motivated to preserve their streaks, and there's even the option to buy streak freezes to maintain them.

However, I've seen instances where people have accumulated massive streaks only to lose them for various reasons. One person I know lost their streak because of timezone changes while traveling, and Duolingo got confused.

I want to remind you to remember the real reason why you're learning a language. Chances are, it's not for the streaks. Studies show that people who rely on extrinsic motivation, such as streaks, are more likely to lose interest than those who focus on intrinsic motivation.

While gamification (turning the learning experience into a game where you compete against others and earn points) can be a helpful motivator for some, it's essential to keep your ultimate language learning goal in mind. Visualizing your end goal can be more motivational than obsessing over maintaining your streaks.

So that's my personal take on it. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Regardless of your perspective, I hope you continue making progress in your language learning journey. Let's keep up the great work!