If stock prices represent anything concrete, how is it that Snapchat's market cap is higher than Ford's?

Do any of us actually believe that Snap's stock price is reflective of its value to society?

Today, stock prices are all about perception and company image. Most shares are non-voting, and don't pay dividends. And you can't take your stock and march to a company headquarters to demand that they give you something of value in exchange.

To an average small investor, shares in almost every company might as well be Magic cards. Their only value is to sell them later to a different collector.

Bonds are not just an accounting mechanism; bonds are an alternative to stocks for investment. Even government bonds create value---if not funding something tangible (such as infrastructure), just the existence of a stable and functioning legal system is hugely valuable.

Cash is more than an accounting system too, especially since the end of the gold standard. There isn't a fixed supply of dollars that businesses just move around.

Also, with regards to both cash and precious metals: their value is as media for economic transactions; their value increases each time they change hands. Would you want to barter to buy shares of a company? Trade sheep to invest in Microsoft?