Unfortunately, this article is accurate

agreed on the click bait and AI anonymity. But the main points are still salient. im not wound up at all about it, also. its more of a resigned acceptance of an inexorable shift in this hobby. 

The millenials in our family are not wealthy but have decent jobs. They spend their disposable income on travel and socializing with friends at brewpubs. They could spend this money on used audio gear. I’m convinced this thought has never entered their minds. They don’t read audio reviews so they have no idea about prices at either end of the audio gear spectrum. They’re simply not interested. But neither are most Americans of any generation. 

Personally don't know anyone under 50 who would qualify.  But I have met a few in that age group selling and buying equipment locally.  Maybe this explains why there's so much great gear out there just sitting and not moving at even reasonable prices.  

What is an audiophile? Someone who cares about sound. Nothing about $-amount, medium, or social aspect. 

I know one person under 35 who cares about soundstage with nice little set-up (active speakers and TT). Nobody in my age bracket >50 cares about audio, except a friend who happens to own a high end store. When I was <35 I had no money to spend on audio, now I have $ and spend some. So the old audiophile come and go, it is a steady state system. Also look at Robinson or cheap audio man channels, plenty of activity there. Also plenty of young folks at record stores.

I would be happy for audio bling to die. I see no point in spending that much although I could afford it.

Back in the 80s, audio was not social, nor is it today. So nothing changed.

Bottom line, much ado about nothing.

Although the article makes valid points, let us be honest, our hobby is not crucial to the survival of our society.  Kids can't read, write, or even count change at the grocery store.  Many teens don't see the need to drive cars.  They don't know how to play.  Oxycontin has created an addiction problem unprecedented since nineteenth century China.  Social interaction has been interrupted for an entire generation by the pandemic.  Young people are more comfortable on line or on the phone than they are face to face, even with their peers.  As a grand parent it is difficult for me to worry about my family not getting excited about my hobby.