Koko is a free online service that provides emotional support on social media networks. The simple interface allows users to enter a message about a problem they are having. The program then provides advice based on evidence-based strategies for reducing emotional distress. Users also have the option to “crowdsource” their problem, and receive advice from other users. Lastly, the program is trained to recognize when a person is in crisis, and will connect them to local crisis services.

Koko was developed in collaboration with researchers at MIT, Northwestern, Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, NYU, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Maryland, and national crisis hotlines. Koko is available as an online platform or downloadable app.