London, England – A new report released by OnSide, titled Generation Isolation 2025, has revealed that 39% of young people aged 11-18 in England have turned to AI chatbots for advice, support, or companionship. The report, based on a survey conducted by YouGov of 5,035 young people, also showed that in London alone, the number rises to 48%, highlighting the reliance on technology for connection among young people.
The survey also revealed that 23% of young people find it easier to talk to AI than to a human, while 9% admitted to feeling lonely. This use of technology for companionship and advice is concerning, as it is shown against a backdrop of a growing trend of loneliness among young people, with 20% reporting high or very high levels of loneliness in London.
While young people crave in-person friendships, they report a lack of opportunities to meet new people. 44% stated that spending time with friends in real life helps them feel most connected. This highlights the importance of real-world spaces for young people, with 15% saying that affordable, in-person social spaces and activities like those offered by OnSide’s four London Youth Zones would improve their lives outside of school.
Future, Legacy, Unitas, and WEST Youth Zones, which form part of the OnSide Network, have warned that the growing dependence on technology and the lack of real-life social spaces is driving loneliness and disconnection among young people. The report shows that 48% of young people across London are turning to AI for advice, support, or companionship.
Robin Moss, Chief Executive of Unitas Youth Zone, commented on the findings, stating “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 Generation Isolation report shows us both the challenge but also the opportunity, because there is a solution to youth loneliness and screen addiction – youth centres.”
The report also revealed that 59% of young people across London use AI for schoolwork or revision, while 43% find it quicker and 23% find it easier than talking to a real person. However, only 9% of young people who use a chatbot say they trust it more than a real person, highlighting a tension between what is easy for young people and what genuinely provides the most appropriate support.
The pandemic has also had a significant impact on the social interactions of young people, with 29% stating that they do not have opportunities to meet new people or make friends beyond their social group outside of school. This has resulted in 68% of young people spending most of their free time on screens, and 35% spending the majority of their free time in their bedroom.
Myke Catterall, CEO of Legacy Youth Zone, stated “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, Future, Legacy, Unitas, and WEST Youth Zones have supported over 32,000 young people across London, with hundreds of young people visiting each week to make friends, gain vital youth worker support, and take part in engaging and fun real-life activities. Milan, an 18-year-old member of Unitas Youth Zone, stated “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 November 19, 2025.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.