Barnsley youth charity Base71 Youth Zone, part of the OnSide Network, is raising concerns about growing digital dependence and a lack of real-life social spaces — as new research published today highlights that 34% of young people in Yorkshire & the Humber are turning to AI for advice, support or company.
The findings come from 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.
Commenting on the findings, Mandy Carlson Chief Executive at Base71 Youth Zone said: “These findings shine a stark light on the reality many young people face today, feeling isolated and turning to AI for company or advice because real-life connection feels out of reach.
“When Base71 opens, it will be a space where young people in Barnsley can walk through the door and immediately feel that they belong, that there are youth workers who will listen, support them and celebrate who they are.
“These findings make one thing clear: young people are calling out for safe, affordable spaces where they can connect in person. Base71 will exist to meet that need in Barnsley, offering a place where young people are not alone, not judged, and not hidden behind a screen. We cannot wait to open our doors and give them the in-person support, guidance and friendship they deserve.”
However, 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 added: “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.”
To read the full Generation Isolation report visit: www.onsideyouthzones.org/generationisolation from 00.01 on 19 November 2025
