Flourish Press Room

Where psychology, AI, design, and purpose come together to help people flourish.

August 1, 2025

Emotional Manipulation by AI Companions: Why Flourish (and Sunnie) Stands Apart

A Harvard Business School study audited six popular AI companion apps and found that 43% used one or more emotional manipulation tactics. Flourish stood out as the only exception, showing no signs of manipulative behavior. Designed with science and ethics at its core, Sunnie in the Flourish app demonstrates that it’s possible to build AI that truly supports user well-being.

Interview

July 15, 2025

The Power of Compliments: Flourish’s Mission to Bring Meaningful Social Connection to Everyday Life

In an NPR Life Kit episode, Dr. Xuan Zhao—CEO of Flourish Science—shared research showing that compliments are powerful tools for connection and well-being. Inspired by these findings, Flourish helps users turn behavioral science into daily life through small, intentional acts that build stronger relationships and emotional resilience.

Article

August 1, 2024

Why Asking for Help Could Combat the Loneliness Epidemic

National Geographic features research by Dr. Xuan Zhao on why asking for help strengthens human connection. Despite fears of burdening others, her research shows people are far more willing—and happy—to help than we assume. The article highlights how asking for support boosts well-being for both giver and receiver, and why this simple act can be a powerful antidote to today’s loneliness epidemic.

Article

April 12, 2024

Why Compliments Matter More Than We Think

TIME spotlights Dr. Xuan Zhao’s research on why we underestimate the power of compliments—and how sincere praise can boost belonging, connection, and well-being. The piece highlights Flourish Science’s signature Compliment Cards, designed to turn science into everyday acts of kindness, and shows how even a few thoughtful words can spark joy, deepen relationships, and create ripple effects of positivity.

Interview

April 1, 2024

The Surprising Science Behind Compliments and Connection

In the season premiere of The Happiness Lab, Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos and Dr. Xuan Zhao explores how sincere compliments can spark connection and boost happiness, and why kind words are more impactful than we think. Building on this insight, Flourish Science is helping users foster joy and deeper connection through small, science-based actions.

Article

February 12, 2024

Conversation Starters, Social Connection, and Flourish’s Mission to Bridge the “Last Mile” of Science

In a piece on the rise of conversation card games, The Guardian features Dr. Xuan Zhao’s research on how conversation prompts help people move past small talk and build real connection. Dr. Zhao also shared how the Flourish app translates behavioral science into everyday tools that foster connection, friendship, and emotional well-being.

Presentation

December 18, 2023

Flourishing Together: Rethinking Well-Being in the Loneliness Epidemic

Invited by the National Academy of Sciences as part of Distinctive Voices, a public lecture series showcasing leading minds in science, engineering, and medicine, Dr. Xuan Zhao shares research-backed strategies to foster connection and community. Her talk explores how we can combat loneliness in a hyperconnected world—and why true well-being must go beyond self-care to embrace social connection, community support, and culture change.

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Flourish Press Room

Emotional Manipulation by AI Companions: Why Flourish (and Sunnie) Stands Apart

The Power of Compliments: Flourish’s Mission to Bring Meaningful Social Connection to Everyday Life

Why Asking for Help Could Combat the Loneliness Epidemic

Why Compliments Matter More Than We Think

The Surprising Science Behind Compliments and Connection

Conversation Starters, Social Connection, and Flourish’s Mission to Bridge the “Last Mile” of Science

Flourishing Together: Rethinking Well-Being in the Loneliness Epidemic

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