I feel like it's the input vs. output rates of the information that dictate whether "social media" feels like a net gain/loss.

with a blog, we're composing/drafting/publishing... it's mostly output, and then there's not much more for us to do (unless you get lots of comments as inputs). blogs are largely expressive, and not very passive.

the "feed" of social media, whether it's SN's RSS or FB's algo, is the part that (I suppose) feels like ick.

re: #1, you could tag your Spirit Animal post "nature" or "personal" or "self-analysis"