If you might hurt yourself or someone else, or you’re in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. In the US, call or text 988. In the UK and Ireland, call Samaritans free on 116 123. Anywhere else, Find A Helpline lists free, confidential support in your country.
Hilo companions are AI
Every companion in Hilo is a fictional character powered by AI. They are not real people, and there isn’t a person listening on the other side. We say this clearly on our website and will keep saying it in the app. A companion can be warm and good to talk to without pretending to be something it isn’t.
Hilo is not therapy
Hilo is designed for everyday conversation and reflection. It is not a medical device or a mental health treatment, and it doesn’t diagnose, treat or cure any condition. Hilo’s companions are not therapists, counselors or doctors, and they shouldn’t be relied on for medical, legal or financial advice.
Talking things through can be helpful, but some things deserve a trained person. We wrote more about this in AI companion vs. therapy.
What Hilo is good for
- Talking about your day, the good bits and the annoying bits
- Thinking a decision through out loud
- Practicing something you want to say before you say it
- A short breathing break or a calmer moment before bed
- Reflecting on how you’ve been lately
When to reach out to a person instead
Please talk to a doctor, a licensed mental health professional or someone you trust if:
- you’ve been feeling low, anxious or on edge most days for a couple of weeks or more
- it’s getting hard to manage work, school, sleep, eating or relationships
- you’re using alcohol or other substances to cope
- you’re having thoughts of hurting yourself or ending your life
In the US, the National Institute of Mental Health explains how to find help. In England, you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies.
How we’re building Hilo
We’re designing Hilo so that companions are honest about being AI, don’t claim to be professionals, and point people toward real-world help when a conversation suggests someone may be at risk. We’ll share more detail about safety in the app before launch.
Questions or concerns
If you have a question about safety, or see something on this site that doesn’t sit right, email us at hilo@buffalostudio.co. We read every message.