That is the goal for any company that wants to build their social media presence on any platform. They have do sometimes use incentives to do so. Regardless if the high membership number isn't "active" daily users they still give the total number and to someone on the outside it looks like a happening spot. Generally, I find that the numbers match the popularity or hype anyway.

However, point taken: the market may not be as accurate or truthful today as it was last year.

Thanks for your comment!