I don't think so because the people prefer the instant messengers.

or not?

I dont myself, but I know about 5 people that do

I think it depends on what network and what channel you visit. Some channels still practice the fine art of actual chatting... while most are idle clients. Takes more time to find the active, chatting channels, but the work is worth it

You can find channels on IRC where there is a community, a group of friends who love to chat :-)
If you like trivia, try them out, because they are always full of different and very interesting people more then welcome to meet you! I am in 3 different trivia channels, and I wouldn't leave them ever :-)

Oh and mind you, I haven't actually played trivia in months LOL, I just am there for the nice atmosphere.

i hate instant messengers

As Karen said, it depend on the network/channels
As I see it, one of the main advantages of IRC is the channels - you can join #fantasy or #cirinal or #chicks or #freeporn or #physics or #alanis ;b
Off course you might not find a channel like those on all networks, but you can always try another one
I believe most of IM's have something like channels too, but the can't compare with irc chans
Persionally I am a great fan of Tolkien's and i visit #mordor from very long time - I have met many fans there, and we even created a fanclub! (that's the advantage of small countries - you can meet with ppl you know from irc (or Im's ;b))

vasil, we've asked you not to spam your channels

ooh not again!
looks like i was not paying much attention last night
soooooooorry
I usualy give channel names just as an example but...
/me slapls himself
sorry again ;b

Depends on the channels you are on for example if you are french and you join a channel like France of Chat.fr you might have more possibilities to meet others, as they will be in the same country as you are, than visiting a channel like WorldChat or ChatWorld or that kind of channels

I agree, bro. IRC is more like an idling/ops hunger land than a chat world.