The purpose is to give all of us who otherwise have no one who will listen to what we have to say, an opportunity to become famous and have our wisdom spread throughout the world via the magic of the world wide web.
In reference to shiduchim I am not sure if you meant in a negative or positive light? Or did you just mean it gives people what to talk about on a date (i read the most interesting question the other day in the YWN coffee room….)