Why is that depressing? I would find that an exciting reason. It would mean that there are things in the universe far more interesting and worthwhile than us. To me, this is more exciting than humanity being the apex of it all.
True. I suppose I'm actually more neutral about it. Regardless, it seems obvious that if any civilization was A) intergalactic and B) not bent on destroying other life, they would be wasting their time with us. They could probably learn everything they wanted to know about us within making their presence known to us anyway. It's an intriguing possibility. The more I think about the possibilities the more confusing it gets. I suppose that is why it is truly a question without an answer at the moment.
They could probably learn everything they wanted to know about us within making their presence known
exactly. I can only speculate that their interest in us would be to observe a primitive species in their natural habitat. But then this, and any other speculation, is the most extreme version of ethnocentrism ever. We have no idea what their interests, biology, or motivations are. It truly is a question without an answer. -Fun to think about though.