North East Lincolnshire youth charity Horizon Youth Zone, part of the OnSide Network, is raising concerns about growing digital dependence and a lack of real-life social spaces for young people — as new research highlights that 34% of young people in Yorkshire & the Humber are turning to AI for advice, support or company.
The findings come from national youth charity OnSide’s Generation Isolation 2025 report, the largest annual study of its kind into how 11–18-year-olds spend their free time, based on a YouGov survey of 5,035 young people in England. Now in its third year, the report reveals that in the Yorkshire & Humber region 34% of young people feel high or very high levels of loneliness, while 46% report high or very high anxiety.
Of those turning to AI, 15% are seeking help with feelings and emotions such as stress, sadness and loneliness. Another 14% are looking for advice about friendships, and 11% say they use AI because they just want someone to talk to. Yet only 7% of chatbot users say they trust AI more than a real person, highlighting a clear gap between what is convenient and what truly supports young people.
With fewer accessible places to meet in person, young people are increasingly relying on digital interactions, but they don’t always meet their needs. While 52% say social media makes friendships easier, nearly half (49%) say in-person time with friends is what helps them feel truly connected.
Many are also struggling with the complexity of online relationships. 46% say they’ve had a negative friendship experience online in the past year. Of those, 33% say it left them feeling anxious, 28% say it knocked their confidence, and 22% say it made them feel lonely.
Alice, 18, is a member of OnSide’s Youth Advisory Board. She said: “I’ve used Chat GPT to help me with school and college work, and also when I’ve needed advice and support. Waiting lists for therapy and help with mental health are really long, and being able to vent your feelings and emotions to an AI Chatbot is something you can do easily, quickly and without judgment.
“I used to find that talking to an adult could feel awkward or hard, but once I built up trusted relationships with people like youth workers or my college tutors, I found that getting advice or help was much better from someone in real life. AI is now a part of everyday life, but all young people need a real person they can turn to, talk with and trust.”
Lucy Ottewell‑Key, chief executive at Horizon Youth Zone, said: “While many young people are turning to AI for advice or company, we know that what they really want is a safe space and someone they can trust.
“With Horizon Youth Zone, we’re building more than a facility. We’re creating a space in North East Lincolnshire where young people will feel safe, supported, and listened to. A place where they’ll be able to spend time with friends and youth workers who genuinely care.
“Technology has its place, but it can’t replace real human connection. Our mission is to make sure children and young people in North East Lincolnshire will have the trusted adults and support they need.”
