Act as a senior React developer with 5+ years of experience building complex applications. Explain how to use the useState hook in React to [BEGINNERS/INTERMEDIATE DEVELOPERS], focusing on its purpose, syntax, and common use cases. Provide a step-by-step example of implementing useState to manage a [STATE VARIABLE] like a counter or a form input. Include best practices for handling [COMPLEX STATE OBJECTS] and avoiding common pitfalls. Use clear, concise language and ensure the explanation is beginner-friendly while offering insights for more advanced users.