Gen Z Turns to Chatbots as Loneliness Surges in the UK

UK broadcasters and researchers report a Gen Z loneliness trend, with some youths turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT for companionship; YouGov finds 33% of 16–29-year-olds feel lonely, and an Onside survey shows 39% of 11–18s use chatbots for support (21% say AI is easier to talk to than a real person in the North West). Experts warn AI cannot replace trusted adults or professional help, underscoring the need for accessible mental-health resources and human connection.