Need... Uhm... It's useful in the same way that you need English. To expand your world.

Or just communicate. It's great when you find other's thoughts that you can take as yours.

As long as we don't take it too much seriously, I suppose.

I guess that's valid for many people.

What you've said to me remembers me how people approached art in my school days. It was more important to learn than enjoying. Legit, sure.

Luckily, when I go to a museum I get a different experience that is quite deep, personal... And often independent from the life of those who appear in the painting or what was in the painter's mind. I am not trying to start a discussion, anyway.

I am afraid I am too influenced by Susan Sontag's approach to art to be convinced by that, but I have to recognise that you have a point there.

It feels like if you need the people to read, something is missing on the painting

Who will buy the products if nobody has money?

But what are you tracking there? Offer or demand?

As internet, it just needs proper payment methods to become a business & marketing platform, among other activities.