In professional consulting (usually through user group meetings) I see a lot of people obsessed with it because they feel it's a critical part of their networki

In professional consulting (usually through user group meetings) I see a lot of people obsessed with it because they feel it's a critical part of their networking strategy to make them feel like they are notable and to keep their name out there. If you aren't exposed to those sorts of people then you probably wouldn't find the same level. It's similar to people who have a very well curated email list for their customers/clients.