‘Looks Like You Could Use a Hug’ is a short horror animation that follows a newly-single young woman adjusting to life in her new apartment. Turning away from friends and family, she instead leans into the presence of her AI companion. When a new feature is introduced, her camera begins to reveal something else within her space. A tall, gangly, silent figure, huddled over in the corner of the room. One that seemingly draws closer with every interaction.

This animation explores the uneasy relationship between AI companionship and those who are emotionally vulnerable. How unquestioningly accepting new technology into our lives, can have dire consequences by unseen forces behind these apps. By taking something that more and more people are relying on for comfort today ‘Looks Like You Could Use a Hug’ looks at this artificial connection, and emotional dependency from an uncanny perspective.