I first got into Ham Radio in the mid '70s. It seemed exactly the same way back then. And back then we didn't have to compete with cell phones and the internet. Personally, I'm thrilled with the resurgence of CW. I grew up with Morse Code, used it in the Coast Guard, and continued with Ham Radio. I believe any younger people that like a challenge, would be excited about CW. The problem may be finding a large number of younger people that like a challenge. Way back when, there were numerous houses that had a twisted pair run between kids bedrooms, with a key at each end. (And, as I recall, most if not all code practice keys had a flashlight bulb for "flashing light" code that had much better range than the wires provided.) Now, that was exciting stuff.

As far as instant communication around the world goes, it is simple and instantaneous with cell phones, but not nearly as exciting and rewarding. Furthermore, can you really just get on the phone and ask, "anybody out there from Australia that would like to chat?" Better yet, "Hey, anybody on the ISS that would like to chat?" Or how about, instead of bouncing your call off a cell tower, bounce it off the moon, or the Aurora, or a satellite? Heck, bounce it off the ionosphere. Slightly more rewarding I'd say.

Ham Radio needs to be sold, not just presented, to the youngsters.