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 for young people — 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 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.

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.

One thing is particularly clear: young people are calling out for safe, affordable spaces where they can connect in person. It’s not just the data that is showing us this either. Critical to the development of Base71 has been our collaboration with our local young people who are advising us on how to make the space right for them, so it truly meets their needs. We know from our conversations that one of the biggest struggles has been the negative experiences they have faced online. Base71 will exist to help them navigate these experiences, offering a place where young people are not alone, not judged, and not hidden behind a screen.

Young people across Barnsley will be able to 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. We cannot wait to open our doors and give them the in-person support, guidance and friendship they deserve.

The Generation Isolation report also reveals that many young people are 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 Base71's Young People's Development Group - a group of young people who have been instrumental in the development of the new Youth Zone. 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