Where are they?

 I think this is true in most places: the bands seem less active than they were, say, 40 years ago. 

In my youth, people were fascinated by radio. These days people who just want a chat can use the internet for free. Also more people are using digital modes like FT8. 

The downside is that people are unlikely to just chance on the hobby. Unless things change I can see our hobby changing dramatically or even dying out.