This is happening even in countries where manual transmissions are the norm. My Brit coworkers who visit the States are always surprised when they see I drive a manual because they believe that is a scarce skill here in the US. Every car I see over there is a manual. That hasn't prevented European companies from moving their performance cars from manual to some form of automatic (DCT, etc).
Based on what I've read, modern automatics perform better than sticks and deliver better fuel economy. Lifespan is improving as well. The gap between the two is narrowing to the point that it's a non-issue for most people, even those with a performance mindset.
I have two manuals and one automatic (and haven't not owned a manual since I started driving 30 years ago). It would not upset me for all of my future cars to have automatics.
Chris