Ever evolving social media probably has something to do with it. Really though, that is where society is going now. If you think about it, a forum, chat room, etc. is just a virtual social gathering place to exchange ideas and shoot the breeze. No different than the local coffee shop, barber shop, beauty parlor, etc. back in the day. The social climate is different now. A place like Starbucks or Panaras should be that kind of place with people socializing and conversing with each other. Instead, everyone has their noses stuck in an electronic device oblivious to those around them.
The athletic/fitness landscape has changed as well. Everything athletic related these days has a tone of seriousness to it. It is not enough to just be doing something such as taking a walk or bike ride through the neighborhood. Now you have to be training for something that might never materialize. "No time for socializing in your given sport! That is for losers! Get with the program. Champions train! Buy our product, act like a champion and you will be one." That stuff is drilled into us night and day now.
That is probably why forums like the C & V sub forums are still going strong. They still have the coffee/barber shop feel to them. Once you get to a certain age you have been there and done that. So those people(myself included) know it's all good. Just getting up and making it through another day is what's important. The rest is just gravy.