AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini are no longer just tools for school work, they are fast becoming digital companions for a growing number of teens. As these systems become smarter, faster and more accessible, young people are becoming dependent on them for everything from quick replies to emotional comfort, according to a new study. However, this increasing dependency is forcing the younger generation to silently struggle with loneliness.

According to the latest Generation Isolation 2025 report from UK youth charity Onside, which surveyed more than 5,000 young people aged 11 to 18, 39 per cent – ​​almost two in five – have turned to an AI chatbot for advice, support or company. The report shows that usage is highest among older teens, with more than half of 18-year-olds relying on AI for guidance. Meanwhile, boys reported slightly more use than girls.

AI is becoming an emotional companion

And it’s not just about convenience. The study highlights how personal these conversations have become. The researchers note that teens are no longer using AI just for homework or practical information, with many now turning to chatbots for emotional or social advice. About 14 percent admitted they sought help with friendships, 11 percent turned to AI for mental health concerns, and 12 percent used chatbots just because they “wanted to talk to someone.” More than half of young AI users said they rely on chatbots for some type of advice, whether about stress, emotions or day-to-day problems.

Why? Well, researchers suggest reasons like speed, curiosity, and anonymity. Nearly one in five said they found it easier to talk to an AI than to speak openly to a real person.

Growing dependence, but no trust

Yet despite this growing reliance, trust remains remarkably low. The study shows that only a small portion of young people say they trust AI more than humans. This suggests that teens are turning to AI for emotional support, but they don’t really believe it can replace real connections.

The report also sheds light on the broader context shaping these habits. With greater reliance on chatbots, screen time is also on the rise among teens, with 76 percent admitting they spend most of their free time on digital devices, and almost half that time alone in their bedrooms. And while social media and messaging apps make it easy to stay in touch, many teens still crave personal interaction. According to researchers, nearly half of those surveyed said that spending time together in real life makes them feel most connected to their friends, compared to messaging or voice calls.

Chatbots can make you more lonely

One of the most worrying insights from the study is how widespread loneliness has become. More than a third of young people reported high or very high levels of loneliness, often due to difficulties making friends, feeling isolated or not having enough social spaces where they felt safe and welcome. And while AI tools may provide quick comfort, experts warn that increasing reliance on chatbots could have long-term consequences on emotional development. The American Psychological Association has also cautioned that children and teens may not yet have the experience to accurately assess the risks of using AI as an emotional sounding board.