In the almost 4 years I’ve been a member of this forum I’ve come to realize most members seem to be “mature” individuals (over 60). In addition virtually all of the people in my camera club are over 60. Now I realize these groups certainly dont reflect the entire photographic world. However It does bring a question to mind. Is it possible that younger people are not as interested in becoming “photographers”, professional or recreational as we are?
Virtually every person walks around with a smart phone in his/her pocket. Not only does a smart phone contain a camera, but that camera has rapidly become almost as good as any DSLR. I have a feeling that for most people popping a smart phone out of their pocket to take a picture is much preferred to carrying 20 pounds of camera equipment around. There’ll always be a certain portion of the population that is old school and feels you need a good DSLR, lenses, tripod etc. to take good pictures. As the years go by that group will become smaller and smaller.
So in my mind the real question is not where will new photography equipment come from but where will new photographers come from?
Does this make any sense or am I all wet .

I think we, who are older and have been involved in photography for so long, tend to be possessive of our hobby, and profession if professional, and tend to take a somewhat dim view of those who just use a cellphone camera. That’s natural, as we take a bit of pride in creating a beautiful or thought-provoking image, taking what we do seriously when we do it, whether for commercial or personal purposes. But that doesn’t invalidate the cellphone cameras. It’s not that youngsters are by nature lazy or incompetent, but I believe they look at photography, not as a means to an end, but as a means to enjoyment and to share their images with others. It’s a cultural thing. Is it that they don’t care? I don’t think so. I think it’s because life is rather complicated for the younger set anymore, and it’s likely to get a lot more complicated in the near future. For them, I think photography is just an integral part of life, and the cellphone camera makes for an easy way to share life.

I have five grandchildren, all in the same family. They have grown up with Grandma's camera constantly in their faces and have seen what a camera can do. They each receive a Nikon point & shoot camera for their 10th birthday, something that they look forward to with the 8yo youngest chomping at the bit to get his in two years! Oldest grandson (13yo) has graduated to a D3500 which he loves and the 10yo who just received her camera looks like she is going to develop a passion. The other two like their cameras but don't have a passion for photography, which is OK with me - my purpose has been to introduce them to the craft and enable them to become familiar with the use of a camera. The whole point of this narrative is to show that we can influence and direct the younger generation by our personal love for photography.

No, I do not. Just Facebook for family and friends, but a lot of other garbage shows up. None of my connections have used the term, yet.
It's only the second time I've seen it.
The first time I blew it off as the person hit "send" before they finished their statement.
I suppose soon we'll be back to hieroglyphics also...

Thanks. Learn something new every day.