I have noticed all this too. But I am not ready to say that each and every spec has some sort of intelligence, maybe some microscopic will to survive, but people seem quick to attribute many lofty attributes to this thing, I am not. It collects around outlets, so that tells us it is electrically charged. Also, dont waste time trying to convince people, all you are doing is giving them a reason to not like you, you dont need to deal with anymore crap that you already are! It is definitely all over.
Oh, as far as itching, when I go to Costco and use a box, the boxes make my hands get red and itch, I literally get rashes from paper.