Yes, the cell phone/camera useage has exploded in certain segments of society, but I think maybe you are influenced by those who are more interested in social media on a computer display, and getting thumbs up on pics of their food or latest holiday etc.
On a predominantly 'photography' orientated forum like UHH, (sometimes with a social bias ), many members are more interested in making pictures they are more than proud of to display on the wall, and striving to achieve a result that is more than the just 'above an average' photo.
Like it or not, technology has progressed over the years and prices for 'professional' type cameras has fallen, especially in the 'used' market. Their are reasons that very advanced and pro photographers use these expensive cameras. And keen hobbyists, striving to emulate their peers, can now take advantage of the technological advancements that pro's have known about for years.
But of course they have an additional price to pay. And that's time.
Time learning the same skills as the pro's.
An expensive modern camera requires the photographer to spend time learning how to get the best performance out of the technology, which includes of course, saving the RAW files and spending time developing the 'modern' Negative (sic).
A new camera alone doth not an artist make