Ask HN: What is so great about blockchain?

I have a question, what is it about blockchain that's so attractive to every new startup or idea nowadays?

New social network? Blockchain!

New news platform? Blockchain!

I get what blockchain is. I get how it's used in cryptocurrency transactions. But will someone please explain why it's being incorporated into industries that always have done (and IMO can continue to do) just fine without it?

I skim through this [1] list, and see no clear benefit to incorporating blockchain into most/all of these? Most of them seem to be using it as 'secure database' or something.

[1]: https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/04/11/20-real-world-uses-for-blockchain-technology.aspx