But today the world is an online oyster so I thought HR would have gone the way of the archaeopteryx.
You'd about right there. It is a dying hobby, and most radio amateurs are rather boring men, obese of course.

The late, great Tony Hancock summed up ham radio with a very funny sketch:



Most hams condemn that video as totally unrealistic of ham radio. But I think it is pretty true and honest about the hobby.

Having said that, there are about 3 million radio hams in Japan, where it is considered more than just CB, (unlike Thailand).

I gave up trying to chat with Thai hams (even in fluent Thai). I used to chat with people outside the country, in Ozzie, NZ, Europe etc, but using a digital mode (PSK) from my laptop and typing chat messages).

For me, it is really a technical hobby, and a good one to get youngsters (boys and girls) interested in all things technical.

If I teach STEM, I always try to include something about comms (radio, video, online etc).

... and if I can't contact someone with my ham rig, I can just send them an SMS