It is its own private bedroom which it absolutely will not soil if it can help it. Judicious use of the crate can alleviate a number of problems, stop others from ever developing, and aid substantially in housetraining. It should be around other people. Ideally, set it up in the bedroom near you. Have the dog sleep in it at night.
Dogs are social and like to be around their people.
Don't force it into the crate. Feed your dog in the crate. Anything intended for a dog can be abused. A puppy should not be left in for more than 3 or 4 hours at a time. An adult dog should not spend more than about 8 hours a day in one.