People will use forums only when they understand their importance. As you said, the quality of a forum can't even be compared with social media's. There are other rules you have to follow which aren't bringing quality. Tons of posts getting lost; part of the social media's deep hole.

I don't believe that we should upgrade to a new forum software, this one satisfies me enough, but even if we will, I'm certain that we won't attract young users, if that's your point. Whether we use a 2006 SMF script or an upgraded forum version with Epochtalk, the rules will remain the same and websites such as Twitter with fancy colors and like buttons are always preferable by the youth. The exceptions won't examine the forum version, they'll just be here to discuss.