--- title: "Human Connection in the Age of AI: What Young People Need to Thrive" description: Search Institute CEO, Dr. Ben Houltberg, discusses how bridging digital innovation and human connection can reshape youth support, fostering environments where young people thrive. image: https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/AI-Blog.png --- Theme + Migration = $1489 (Pay for the Theme Only). [Learn More.](https://www.lpd-themes.com/migration) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [BLOG](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [DONATE](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [CONTACT](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) [Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started) Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow. [Resources Tailored to Your Role](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Resource%20Audience) Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members [Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Setting) Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization. [Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics) Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development. [Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video) Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people. [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - BLOG - SHOP - DONATE - CONTACT - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) # Blog September 11, 2025 2 Minutes Read By : [Ben Houltberg, Ph.D., LMFT, President and CEO](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/benjamin-houltberg-ceo) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Programs Provide Support Family Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Social Capital Share Power Solutions Youth Thriving Education / School Expand Possibilities Student Voice Challenge Growth Summer Scholars Thriving Youth Voice Express Care Sparks Data Insights Faith Field Partner Spotlight LGBTQ+ Workshops Relationship Ready Schools Conversation Starters Sports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) # Human Connection in the Age of AI: What Young People Need to Thrive [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fhuman-connection-in-the-age-of-ai-what-young-people-need-to-thrive%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fhuman-connection-in-the-age-of-ai-what-young-people-need-to-thrive%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fhuman-connection-in-the-age-of-ai-what-young-people-need-to-thrive%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fhuman-connection-in-the-age-of-ai-what-young-people-need-to-thrive%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/AI-Blog.png) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Student Voice](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/student-voice) [Youth Voice](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-voice) # Human Connection in the Age of AI: What Young People Need to Thrive By [Ben Houltberg, Ph.D., LMFT, President and CEO](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/benjamin-houltberg-ceo) September 11 2025 2 Minutes Read Young people are coming of age in a time of rapid change and deep uncertainty. AI companions and chatbots are now part of daily life, with nearly [three out of four teens reporting they use these tools for comfort, care, and connection](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/report/talk-trust-and-trade-offs_2025_web.pdf). These platforms are shaping identity formation in real time, yet they are rarely designed with young people’s developmental needs in mind. At the same time, families, schools, and community leaders are navigating widening cultural divides, resource constraints, and a relentless stream of deficit-based narratives about youth. These stories erode hope and overshadow the strengths, resilience, and possibilities young people bring into our communities. Amid this rise in digital companionship, it is vital to underscore the significance of human connection. Unlike algorithms, caring adults bring embodied presence, empathy, and a moral compass that technology cannot replicate. Now more than ever, we must be intentional about cultivating quality human relationships—so young people can turn to trusted people, not just tools, for safety, guidance, and belonging. ## **Why This Matters** This is not the first time the field has faced such a moment. In the early 1990s, the Positive Youth Development (PYD) movement countered problem-saturated narratives by reframing young people as resourceful, resilient, and full of potential. That shift reshaped policy, research, and practice—ushering in [asset-based approaches](https://searchinstitute.org/developmental-assets) that remain foundational today. Yet deficit narratives persist. Families and communities continue to feel overwhelmed by stories of disconnection and decline. We have yet to fully shift societal perceptions of youth—or build the collective will to create systems where all young people thrive. ## **The Vision Ahead** The challenges of this moment require us not to respond with fear or fascination, but with vision. It’s not about what young people need protection from, but what we are drawing them toward. That vision requires designing environments—both digital *and* physical—that nurture relationships, expand opportunities, and unleash the strengths within every young person. It means: - Replacing deficit thinking with a new narrative of thriving rooted in hope and possibility. - Uniting the wisdom of research, practice, and lived experience to guide how we design environments where youth can flourish. - Engaging young people as [co-creators](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/behind-the-research-designing-with-and-for-youth) of their future. - Building cross-sector alliances—schools, community organizations, funders, families, and policy leaders—committed to [aligning systems with the inherent value of every young person](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/the-role-of-relationships-in-transforming-youth-thriving). - Designing digital spaces with the same intentionality as physical ones, ensuring they serve development rather than undermine it. ## **Building a Movement for Youth Thriving** Several factors make this the right moment for a bold shift: - Young people themselves are demanding change and claiming voice in new ways. - Youth are voicing a clear desire for meaningful [intergenerational relationships and human connection](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/good-trouble-flipping-the-troubled-youth-narrative). - There is growing consensus across research, policy, and practice that youth thriving—not just problem prevention—must be the goal. - Emerging networks and alliances are ready to align around a [shared vision](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/more-than-a-movement-why-developmental-relationships-deserve-a-central-role-in-youth-development). - Digital ecosystems, though complex, offer [unprecedented opportunities for connection and movement-building](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/extending-a-developmental-relationships-perspective-to-young-peoples-online-experiences). Now is the time to move beyond fear and division toward connection and thriving. The future cannot be shaped by quick fixes or isolated programs—it requires a movement that reshapes systems, narratives, and environments across the youth ecosystem. Bringing this vision to life will take unified commitment and collaboration across our entire community—no single organization can achieve it alone.   [![State of DR Report 2025 CTA-1](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/State%20of%20DR%20Report%202025%20CTA-1.png?width=774&height=302&name=State%20of%20DR%20Report%202025%20CTA-1.png)](https://info.searchinstitute.org/state-of-dr-report-2025)   [Developmental Relationships, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Student Voice, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/student-voice) [Youth Voice, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-voice) [![Picture of Ben Houltberg, Ph.D., LMFT, President and CEO](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/dr-benjamin-houltberg-named-president-and-ceo-of-search-institute.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/benjamin-houltberg-ceo) #### Ben Houltberg, Ph.D., LMFT, President and CEO Author ## Recommended For You [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Building-Student-Potential-Through-Trust-Resources-and-By-Going-Deeper.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/building-youth-potential-through-trust-resources-and-going-deeper) [Provide Support](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/provide-support) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) 3 Min Read ### [Building Youth Potential Through Trust, Resources, and Going Deeper](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/building-youth-potential-through-trust-resources-and-going-deeper) [Search Institute April 10 2023](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Lq9TNkmv_w1d4E0nAFGnVxpvBwMil0BxpDG4uumm416iI23GeaaDMgB8_3lvDIKzwjOcLzqU6CInMGtHm1IjjVXFQ-xaxZSnfTqSq_PSViQGMsC3Sgh4Z3zqN8p7I2KCdgM9nWk=s0.jpeg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/activating-the-power-of-peer-relationships-in-the-covid-era) 5 Min Read ### [Activating the Power of Peer Relationships in the COVID Era](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/activating-the-power-of-peer-relationships-in-the-covid-era) [Search Institute September 20 2021](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Preventing-Youth-Substance-Use-Student-Teacher-Relationships-Are-Key.jpeg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/preventing-youth-substance-use-the-importance-of-student-teacher-relationships) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) 3 Min Read ### [Preventing Youth Substance Use: The Importance of Student-Teacher Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/preventing-youth-substance-use-the-importance-of-student-teacher-relationships) [Search Institute October 30 2022](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) ![search-footerlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/search-footerlogo.png "search-footerlogo") ## Search Institute 2550 University Avenue West Suite 200N St. Paul, MN 55114 800.888.7828 612.376.8955 i[nfo@searchinstitute.org](mailto:info@searchinstitute.org) - [Research](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [Solutions](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [Insights](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [Funders & Partners](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [About](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [Blog](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [Donate](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [Contact](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://searchinstitute.org/subscribe-to-our-enewsletter) - [Cancellations, Returns & Refunds](https://searchinstitute.org/cancellations-returns-refunds) - [Public Records](https://searchinstitute.org/nonprofit-status-public-records) - [Permissions Request Form](https://survey.search-institute.org/s3/Permissions-Request-Form) - [Keep Connected](http://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org/) ©2024 Search Institute | [Terms of Use](https://www.search-institute.org/terms-of-use/) Search Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. 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