Why do people say, "I need a hug" as if it would make a difference?

People on Facebook say, “I need a hug! Post this on my page and I’ll know you’ve hugged me.” To me, a hug is near meaningless unless delivered in times of great joy or sorrow by one of my family members. But a hug by a Facebook friend, to me, would have zero affects on me. Am I unusual? Or do you get something good out of one hug from any source whatsoever? I will admit a snuggle from a pet is nice, though. Today, as an example, an old friend of my husband came over and said, “I need a hug.” I said, “you do?” and he said, “yes; I read somewhere we need SIX hugs a day.” Nice man.