Noisy home telephone wiring-based computer networks that modulate signals across the 2 to 30 Mhz spectrum will make HF operation difficult for even more residents. Changing technology has lessened the enthusiasm for the magic of HF radio. Where once upon a time, ham radio operators were the only people to routinely engage in international communication, today anyone with a home PC can easily communicate internationally. Other factors include changing lifestyles. Today's homes have two wage earners, working to afford the house payments, take care of kids and do shopping in a few minutes in the evening.
Life is full everything but leisure time - so hobbies have gone out the window.
Sitting at a radio for hours at a time just does not happen anymore. This is the natural progression of technology changes, our growing population, increasing home prices, small lots, antenna restrictions, a rising noise level at HF, and changes in lifestyles. Like it or not, this is the real world, and we cannot change these real world attributes. In recent years, our numbers have gone up a little or down little, but generally stay about the same. Since January 1997, in the U.S., our numbers have gone down a bit.