Crewe Youth charity The Dome 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 38% of young people in the North West 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 North West region, 41% of young people feel lonely, while 41% report high or very high anxiety.

Of those turning to AI, 17% are seeking help with feelings and emotions such as stress, sadness and loneliness. Another 16% are looking for advice about friendships, and 10% 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 53% say social media makes friendships easier, nearly half (49%) say in-person time with friends is what helps them feel truly connected. Further to this, a quarter (25%) say more affordable leisure activities would make the biggest difference in improving their life outside of school.

This report shows us clearly that young people are turning to AI because they feel they have nowhere else to go for support, advice or even simple company. That should worry us all. Technology might feel quick and accessible, but it can’t replace real human connection, someone who listens, a safe space to go, or friends to laugh with face-to-face.

In Crewe, many young people tell us they don’t have places where they feel they can truly belong or be heard. When The Dome Youth Zone opens, it will give them exactly what they are asking for. A safe, welcoming space where they can be themselves, build real friendships, and talk to trusted youth workers who genuinely care.

Ultimately, AI has become a part of life for young people these days so services like ours need to adapt to this and support young people in navigating this landscape. At The Dome, we are determined to make sure no young person in Crewe feels alone, isolated, or forced to rely on screens for the support they should find in their own community.

However, many are also struggling with the complexity of online relationships. 52% say they’ve had a negative friendship experience online in the past year. Of those, 41% say it left them feeling anxious, 33% say it knocked their confidence, and 26% 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