Research

Koko started as a clinical trial at MIT. We have since published multiple papers in the fields clinical and social psychology, human-computer interaction, and machine learning. Some representative publications are summarized below.

Machine Learning-based Crisis Triage

Just presenting resources is the first step. Additional work is required to overcome other structural or attitudinal barriers to reaching out. We have developed methods to increase conversion to crisis resources by systematically helping users overcome common barriers and misconceptions. In a randomized controlled trial with Harvard, we showed our methods increased conversion rates by 23%.

Linguistic correlates of effective online peer support

Koko has millions of posts and responses from its peer support network. We analyzed linguistic patterns that predicted favorable outcomes.

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

We created an artificially empathic chatbot using Koko data. We find that, while we can simulate empathic expression to a degree, there may be an upper bound machines can never cross. Unlike humans, they don't have lived experiences and so their efforts to empathize might always ring hollow.

Helping others on Koko predicts decreased symptoms of depression.

Most looking to get help on Koko go on to help multiple other people. We make it simple and easy. We also find that helping others on Koko has a significant effect on mood regulation and depression symptoms.

Randomized controlled trial of the Koko platform

We randomly assigned people to use Koko (then called 'Panoply') or a matched control task (expressive writing). We found improvements for both, but the differences were significantly greater for the Koko platform.

Improving uptake of mental health crisis resources (Preprint)

How might we increase the effectiveness of online crisis referrals? We compared our referral system with a standard link to 988/Lifelines and found significant reductions in hopelessness. People who received our referral were also more than twice as likely to report using the resources provided.

Machine learning-based crisis triage

We developed methods to increase utilization of crisis resources such as The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In a randomized controlled trial with Harvard, we showed our methods increased conversion rates by 23%.

Embedding single-session interventions into online social networks

We embedded single-session interventions directly into online social networks, allowing us to reach users where they are. We found significant pre-post improvements in hopelessness, self-hatred, and motivation to stop self-harming. (In press, JMIR - Formative)

Helping others on Koko predicts decreased symptoms of depression.

Most people looking to get help on Koko go on to help multiple other people. We make it simple and easy. We also find that helping others on Koko has a significant effect on mood regulation and depression symptoms.

Randomized controlled trial of the Koko platform

We randomly assigned people to use Koko (then called 'Panoply') or a matched control task (expressive writing). We found improvements for both, but the differences were significantly greater for the Koko platform across all outcome measures.

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

We created an artificially empathic chatbot using Koko data. We find that, while we can simulate empathic expression to a degree, there may be an upper bound machines can never cross. Unlike humans, they don't have lived experiences and so their efforts to empathize might always ring hollow.

Linguistic correlates of effective online peer support

Koko has millions of posts and responses from its peer support network. We analyzed linguistic patterns that predicted favorable outcomes.

Koko’s mission is to make mental health accessible to everyone

All of our services are free. We take user privacy very seriously and we never sell data. We rely on donations to make our impact.

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