Several threads here mention the problem with sample size of one. That's true that it makes it very hard. But there's some interesting extra information we can also extract from this one sample: Life on earth either 1) developed naturally from physics or 2) arrived here from another place. If #1, it means life will develop in other places in the universe - and can do to the extent of transmitting electromagnetic waves. If #2, it already exists/existed elsewhere and was clever enough to send itself elsewhere and evolve to send electromagnetic waves.
From all the life that has evolved on earth, from bacteria to trees (to clever octopus) to humans, a very small percentage of that life evolved to create a signal that is detectable far away (humans/radio waves).
I don't really know how to factor this into the paradox, but based on the above, it seems so possible to me that life widely exists but it is simply a miniscule % that has evolved in such a way to use electromagnetic energy in a way that is detectable by us today.
From all the life that has evolved on earth, from bacteria to trees (to clever octopus) to humans, a very small percentage of that life evolved to create a signal that is detectable far away (humans/radio waves).
I don't really know how to factor this into the paradox, but based on the above, it seems so possible to me that life widely exists but it is simply a miniscule % that has evolved in such a way to use electromagnetic energy in a way that is detectable by us today.