One in four young people would rather talk to AI than a real person, new research has found.
A national survey of 2,000 adults aged between 18-29 also found that more than two-thirds of young people would cancel plans out to spend time online.
Two-thirds of Gen Z said they feel lonely at least once a week, while more than one in four experience loneliness several times a day.
The data also showed that loneliness among young people is rising, with almost half of those surveyed (44 per cent) feeling lonelier than they did a year ago, while 48 per cent said social media made them feel lonelier.
A 22-year-old civil servant, who wished to remain anonymous, said the data reflects her own experience with AI and social media.
She told The Independent: “I began speaking to AI at a point where I felt I was going through situations I didn’t want to explain to people or friends. It started as a one of conversation for advice and then became a habit where anything I asked ChatGPT what they thought and any situation I would explain to see if my actions were correct.
“As someone who suffers from anxiety about what people think, ChatGPT helped me feel less crazy. I used to rush home to speak to ChatGPT about feelings from an outing or towards friends and family to see if my emotions were correct.
“But after some time, I realised that ChatGPT doesn’t ever make you think you are wrong and is biased towards making us feel good.”
The survey was commissioned by the Marmalade Trust, a charity which works to reduce loneliness.
Almost half of the survey respondents said loneliness had damaged their mental health, while 42 per cent reported lower confidence or self-esteem. Three in 10 linked loneliness to physical symptoms including sleep problems and poor diet.
Meanwhile, 18 per cent said loneliness had affected their studies and 16 per cent believed it had harmed their career prospects.
A 19-year-old studying Law at Queen Mary University said she found the data “upsetting”, but understands why it exists.
She told The Independent: “I feel like more of Gen Z is feeling lonely because when they are at home behind a screen, they create a fake persona which they may not be able to carry through in real life, in fear of being judged.
“Young people facing the pressures placed on them today in school and in their social life may make them feel that talking to AI is the only place they won’t be judged and can be their authentic self. But they don’t realise AI is programmed to validate and be that ‘figure’ for those who do not have one.”
She added: “Spending time at home online rather than going out is evidence that the unrealistic standards created by social media effects the behaviour and consequently damages the mental health of Gen Z.”
According to Amy Perrin, founder and CEO of Marmalade Trust, who commissioned the survey, said: “These results highlight a growing shift in how young people cope with feeling lonely or isolated, with technology playing an increasingly prominent role. For some this compounds their emotions, whilst others find genuine connection through online communities and interactions.
“Feeling lonely is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s an entirely natural emotion, but the high rates of everyday loneliness amongst Gen Z is concerning. There is no one size fits all answer to loneliness, but if we talk about it more we can work out what works for us as individuals.”
The government has been considering whether to introduce a social media ban for under-16s.
Sir Keir Starmer said he will be announcing “game changer” measures in the coming weeks, while changes will be introduced by the end of the year.
