We Are Not Alone

The estimate for the number of galaxies in the universe just went up 10 fold. The thought now is that there are 2,000 billion galaxies each with 100-200 billion suns, most with planets.

In the 13.8 billion years since the universe began intelligent life has most assuredly come into existence besides on earth. And if even just a very small percentage survive to expand into intra and extra galactic space and thus should be ubiquitous by now.

So as Fermi asked years ago then  'Where is everybody?' And why have we not detected them?

There are only five possible answers

1. We are unique.
2. They all destroyed themselves as their technology advanced.
3. They exist in forms we cannot experience.
4. They left this universe.
5. They all choose not to talk to us.

1 & 5 are ridiculously egocentric. 2 most likely for the vast majority, and a combination of 3 & 4 for the rest given the exponential nature of technological advancement and artificial intelligence. 

Still, they will be traces left behind - it's only a matter of time until we find them. I doubt it will be in intelligently modulated electromagnetic signal - but we will find traces and probably soon.