I'm with you on that one.

I've heard that they can listen to conversations, gives me the creeps.

I have the Alexa one and since I live alone not too worried about the eavesdropping aspect. You can set the privacy rules on it. But, I wanted it when I found out there was an app that would allow me to say "Alexa, ask my buddy to send help". You set up the app with phone numbers and names of contacts, and if you should fall or get incapacitated and are unable to access a phone in anyway (well except for the ability to speak) all you have to say is "Alexa, ask my buddy to send help", the app will send a text, an email, and a phone call to your designated buddy or buddies. They will know to contact you, call 911, or get to you ASAP. You work out those details with your buddy as to what you want them to do.
To me that was one reason enough to get one of those "assistants". I also use her for timers, ask some questions that I want a quick answer, however, I did find she doesn't know much about quilting :D They were on sale for the holidays last year and I have one in my bedroom, sewing room, kitchen, living room: the places I hang out most. The one in the bedroom can hear me from my bath just in case.