I would concur that facebook/Instagram/YouTube has a lot to do with the population decline. Folks wanting to make a go of things for themselves have found platforms that can promote what they want, in an easier and further reaching way. Others, those wanting to learn/follow certain things, have found a simpler and more direct way to do so.
I've noticed the decline in forum activity across the board..... its saddening... I came to do what I still do through this forum. I always check in, but not often log in. This place used to be an awesome place to come for good old debate about all sorts of subjects... so many opinions and differences... I could spend a whole weekend debating something and always come away either learning something, or laughing at something! It was always time well spent.
With facebooks new policy on the selling of knives, that being the algorithm they use to remove knife sales... I can see a resurgence In the use of forums....if only because of the buying/selling of sharps. That doesn't matter though. Once more folks are here... more will follow.