New Global Study by Young Life Finds Youth Are Digitally Saturated Yet Their Relational Circles Are Shrinking

The RELATE Project 2026 surveys 7,105 youth across 11 countries, exposing the rapid adoption of AI companions alongside a  craving for real-world, face-to-face presence

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Young Life today released the findings of its global research study, The RELATE Project 2026, examining how young people navigate relationships, technology, mental health and faith in our rapidly changing world. The study reveals a dual reality: while young people are experiencing a decline in close real-world relationships and turning to artificial intelligence companions for support, they express a strong preference for face-to-face connection and authentic, non-judgmental adult presence.

The study surveyed 7,105 adolescents and young adults ages 13-24 across 11 countries, including the U.S., UK, Argentina, Mexico, Hong Kong, India, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. It also included 22 focus groups with 97 participants. RELATE 2026 is the second global study by Young Life, following its initial RELATE 2024 study conducted to better understand the adolescents and young adults its staff and volunteers serve every day.

"We are absolute fans of young people, and to love them well, we have to truly understand their world," said Newt Crenshaw, president and CEO of Young Life. "The RELATE Project tells us that while young people are constantly connected online, they are craving authentic, in-person community. They don't want perfect, frictionless screens. They are looking for trusted, consistent adults who will step into their worlds, earn and keep their trust, and simply be there to listen."

KEY STUDY FINDINGS

• The average number of close relationships a young person reports fell from 5.3 in 2023 to 4.4 in 2025. On average, young people report having only two people in their lives they can talk to about things that really matter.
• Face-to-face communication was selected by 64% of those surveyed as their preferred way to connect with friends — representing a 10-point increase since 2023.
• Among young people, 40% are not fully confident there is an adult in their life who is genuinely interested in listening to them.
• The number-one priority of 73% of young people is confidentiality when it comes to building trust with an adult.
• Globally, 35% of young people — rising to 45% of younger adolescents (ages 13-15) — now use an AI companion.
• Of the young people who use an AI companion, 60% report feeling more comfortable sharing with their AI than with some of their real-world friends or family members.

RELATE 2026 findings indicate that young people are turning to AI companions to cope with stress and seek advice on difficult topics. Unlike human relationships, AI companions are programmed to offer constant validation, simulated empathy and immediate availability. However, Young Life notes that substituting human relationships with AI may prevent young people from developing crucial real-world skills associated with relational reconciliation, including the process of navigating conflict, disappointment, apology and repair.

"Relationships are the foundation of adolescent flourishing, self-worth and agency," said Dr. Kimberly Nollan, director of research and practice at Young Life. "To walk alongside today's young people, we have to put down our own distractions and show up in their world. This starts with proving we are safe enough to listen — protecting their confidentiality and offering space for them without immediately trying to offer advice or judgment."

Young Life has reached more than 5 million young people across 117 countries worldwide, and its KNOWN initiative aims to know 8 million young people by name by 2030. Findings from RELATE are already shaping how Young Life trains leaders and equips parents.

For more details, regional data breakdowns, or to download the full report, visit https://relate.younglife.org/.

About Young Life
Young Life is a Christ-centered ministry devoted to building bridges of authentic friendship, introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ, and helping young people grow in their faith. To learn more, visit younglife.org.

SOURCE Young Life