Do most most people watch short films?

Making short films seems like a great way to hone your skills and craft, but I don't really understand the purpose of them apart from that. It doesn't seem like there is a wide popular appeal to watching shorts (as opposed to series or features).

Like if the point is to gain knowledge about filmmaking, or showcasing your ability, fine. But the way some people seem to talk about their short films like there is a wide audience out there, I'm skeptical of that. Am I wrong?