What Is The Function of 'POKE' ?

ASSALAMUALAIKUM

A few months back, my friend posted in her status asking 'what is the function of poke?'. It makes me wonder too. LOL sounded like Maroon5 song. anyways, do you guys know the function of 'poke' in facebook? Facebook provides loads of way to communicate such as posting status, comments, messages and even chat. so why did they create 'poke'?

maybe they should change it to PUKE? to replace dislike button? HAHA (random)

in my opinion, 'poke' are for those who are SO shy to communicate with someone. like in the real life, people do poke on other people to start a conversation. although it looks okay in the real world, why does it have to be in facebook? they can always post on the other person wall. or if they're SO shy and afraid others will know about it, then message that person. why does it have to be a problem?

imagine this situation, a long lost friend found your account and wanted to say hi to you. will it be polite for him/her to go straight and say hi on your wall OR poke you? 

you tell me. because seriously, I can be so dumbfounded when it comes to simple things -,-