I learnt about it from one of my nephews. It's popular for young backpackers and the newer generations. I really like the concept and gave it a try. I discovered I loved it.
One of couchsurfers I hosted was from Germany and he had a dream: to bike his way from Halifax to Vancouver and then down to San Francisco. He did within seven months. Wherever he stopped for more than two days, he got a job and made his own money for the trip. He was only 18 years old!!!