A new report released today by OnSide Youth Zones reveals that a significant number of young people in England are turning to AI chatbots for advice, support, or companionship. The Generation Isolation Report, based on a survey conducted by YouGov of 5,035 young people aged 11-18, highlights the growing trend of digital dependence and a lack of real-life social spaces for young people.
According to the report, 39% of young people in England have sought advice, support, or companionship from AI chatbots, with 48% of young people in London relying on technology for connection. This use of technology is driven by a desire for companionship and advice, as 23% of young people say it is easier to talk to AI than a human, and 9% report feeling lonely.
The report also reveals an underlying trend of loneliness in young people, with 20% of young people in London reporting high or very high levels of loneliness. While young people crave in-person friendships, the report shows that 44% say spending time with friends in real life helps them feel most connected.
In response to these findings, Future, Legacy, Unitas, and WEST Youth Zones, which form part of the OnSide Network, warn that the growing dependence on technology and lack of real-life social spaces is driving loneliness and disconnection in young people. According to the report, 48% of young people in London are turning to AI for advice, support, or company.
Commenting on the report, Robin Moss, Chief Executive of Unitas Youth Zone, says, “When three-quarters of young people tell us that they spend the majority of their time on screens, as a society, we need to sit up and take note. And with the rise of AI chatbots, the lure of the online world is only going to grow. Young people need safe places they can go in their free time to take part in meaningful activities, to build their skills, to connect with friends old and new ‘IRL,’ and to have youth workers – trusted adults – to support and mentor them.”
The report also highlights the need for affordable, in-person social spaces and activities for young people, with 15% saying it would improve their lives outside of school. The four London Youth Zones offer these spaces, providing young people with the opportunity to make new friends and try new things. However, only 21% of young people surveyed say they attend a youth club.
Myke Catterall, CEO of Legacy Youth Zone, says, “While it’s no surprise that young people are turning to AI for quick answers, what this report shows is something deeper; a generation searching for belonging. At Legacy, Croydon Youth Zone, we see every day that when young people are given real-world spaces to connect, create and be themselves, everything changes. They open up, build friendships and find the trusted adults they can’t always access online.”
Since 2019, the four London Youth Zones have supported over 32,000 young people, with hundreds visiting each week to make friends, gain vital youth worker support, and take part in engaging and fun real-life activities. Milan, 18, a member of Unitas Youth Zone, says, “Unitas is amazing. It’s for the young people and it’s always there. It’s helped me. It’s given me friends, skills, and confidence. You could say it cracked my shell – released me out into the world.”
To read the full Generation Isolation report, visit: www.onsideyouthzones.org/generationisolation from 00.01 on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.