I don’t think think the points are dumb, but I’m not really focused on them. When I hit 6, my first thought was I need to spend less time on this site. It’s become a bit addictive.

I think the point system encourages people to share and be engaged in the community. It's a better experience when we engage rather than just looking at pictures and reading profiles. I like to think the things I share and my comments help provide some insight as to my personality. But I also see people waaaaay too focused on points so they post things only to level up.

The lower levels have limited powers (posts have to be approved), which discourages any believers from joining and spewing hate. It also encourages participation.

It's all about worthiness. Better to ask more challenging questions to get likes and climb up.

It seems to work remarkably well and is a large part of why the site has remained relatively free of bullying, trolling, scams and spam, without forcing users to pay to use it.

We need it to keep scammers and trolls out. Rules for a reason.

I think it helps discourage potential troublemakers, and taps into the natural human instinct to compete, so it helps keep the action flowing. Plus it's just kinda fun. At worst... harmless.