research & insights

We are committed to evidence-
based solutions and ethical  
standards to support youth online.

Koko regularly collaborates with clinical researchers and practitioners. Our platform has
been analyzed in over eight peer-reviewed publications, including three randomized controlled trials.
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Research & Insights

Koko started as a clinical trial at MIT. We have since published multiple papers in the fields clinical and social psychology, youth mental health, human-computer interaction, and machine learning.

Occasionally, we also share our personal musings on mental health, digital wellbeing, and our reflections on harnessing the good in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Our Research

Conducted and authored by our founders and advisors

Clinical science and practice in the age of large language models and generative artificial intelligence

Evaluating change in body image concerns following a single session digital intervention

Improving uptake of mental health crisis resources

Randomized Control Trial

Embedding single-session interventions into online social networks

Machine learning-based crisis triage

Randomized Control Trial

Linguistic correlates of effective online peer support

Can we build an AI therapist? Can we build empathy from algorithms?

Helping others on Koko predicts decreased symptoms of depression

Randomized controlled trial of the Koko platform

Randomized Control Trial

Musings on mental health

Koko’s Ethical Commitments

Since starting Koko, the privacy, security, and safety of the young people we work with has always been top priority. We believe published guidelines will help hold us to the highest standards as well as inspire others to take a stance on their approach to these interventions.
"Koko refuses to permit neglect to young people in crisis. They insist on evidence-based approaches to helping while remaining acutely sensitive to the rights and interests of Koko users. I’ve been blown away by Koko’s level of commitment to their user community. They are the standard-bearers for addressing the adolescent mental health crisis in innovative but responsible ways."
— Dr. Luke Gelinas
Senior IRB Chair Director, Advarra; Senior Advisor, Multi-Regional Clinical Trials Center of Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard
"In my professional opinion, Koko engages in all their work – tools, platforms, research, and quality improvements – with the utmost responsibility and ethical assurance. I am impressed with the principles Koko has committed itself to in its work and the associated frameworks and processes that have been put in place to ensure fidelity. In the often dark and difficult world of the internet, Koko stands out as a hopeful beacon of good work, done right. Koko saves lives."
— Professor Bradley J. Strawser
CEO & Founder of Compass Ethics; Professor of Philosophy in the Defense Analysis Department, Naval Postgraduate School

Our Commitments
to Koko Users

Privacy

At Koko, your privacy is our priority.  We will never use your data for advertising purposes, and we do not collect any personally identifiable information.

No Personally-Identifying Data:
We do not collect any personally-identifying information.
Non-Selling Policy:
Your data is never sold. The information we collect is solely utilized to enhance the Koko experience for users, with no data sold to advertisers.

Evidence-based Practices

Our commitment is to provide quality services and support, rooted in evidence and proven effectiveness for people in crisis. This involves ongoing evaluation using scientifically proven research methods.

Research Ethics Standards
User Anonymity
All user information remains anonymous, with no efforts to identify individuals. User data is never sold.
Ethical Research Goals
Research focuses solely on improving Koko and benefiting users.
Minimizing Risks
New features introduced during research are based on prior evidence suggesting potential benefits.
Oversight and Monitoring
Internal ethics teams and an external review board oversee all research and product development, ensuring safety and continuous monitoring to weigh benefits against potential risks.
Minimizing Risks
Koko is committed to transparency, keeping the community informed about research results and ongoing testing. Clear rules are in place for stopping studies if unexpected risks arise.

These standards underscore Koko's dedication to enhancing services responsibly and ethically.

Responsible use of ai at koko

Koko prioritizes responsible AI use, ensuring our users receive genuine support without encountering deceptive bots on our platforms.

Human Interaction Assurance
Koko guarantees that you'll never be misled into conversing with a bot. All interactions maintain the authenticity of human connection.
Transparent AI Use
Koko commits to never using AI deceptively. You will always be informed whether you are engaging with a human or AI.
Evidence-Based Interventions
Koko's commitment to evidence-based interventions ensures that offerings are grounded in methods proven to be effective, prioritizing efficacy over expedience.
Rigorous Evaluation of New Technologies:
While open to incorporating new technologies, Koko insists on their clinical viability demonstrated through rigorous evidence-based methods before implementation.
Acknowledging AI Uncertainty
Koko recognizes the inherent uncertainty in AI and LLMs. As technology evolves, Koko is committed to ethical responsiveness, adapting practices to align with advancements in AI technology.

This commitment underscores Koko's dedication to responsible and ethical use of AI for the well-being of its users.

The ethics advisory board has two primary roles:

advice & counsel
Providing ethical advice and counsel to Koko on potentially difficult operational decisions and initiatives, research pursuits, and delivery.

oversight & accountability
Providing external, third-party ethical oversight and accountability to ensure that Koko is staying true to its stated ethical commitments and principles.

Core Ethical Team

Koko works with a broad network of specialized advisors from Compass Ethics, including the following core team members:

Dr. Bradley J. Strawser

Founder & CEO, Compass Ethics
about

Dr. Luke Gelinas

Director of Research Ethics
about

Lorenzo Nericcio

Ethics Analyst & Media Communications Lead
about

Dr. Ted Lechterman

Managing Director, AI and Social Impact
about
Compass provides the Ethics Advisory Board made up of individuals with a vast range of experience and backgrounds. Listed individuals are consulted most frequently but all of the team at Compass is available as needed. Generally, the Ethics Advisory Board acts as a sounding platform and potential ethical check on Koko’s initiatives and maintains a level of independence from Koko that lets it speak honestly and directly to the ethical issues Koko encounters.

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