Even though Reddit, HN or even needgap may not be social networks; the dopamine shots from these could be just as real, at-least there will be less narcissism I guess!

About this need gap of improving individual productivity, are you a gamer? I've heard good things about 'Habitica'. Habitica helps the users set milestones like in games, which supposedly motivates one to reach all of them like they do in games. I've personally not used it, but comes in as top recommendation in threads on productivity/mental health obviously from gamers.