The principal purpose of a newspaper in the olden days was not to seize your attention, trap you into scrolling onto endless feeds, or relieve one from every moment of boredem with YouTube.

These are two completely different things.

As a one-time sub-editor, that was exactly the purpose. The medium has changed, but the aim hasn't, much. Newspapers used to provide information, opinions, diversions, and a guide to the TV listings for when you were tired of reading your newspaper. I got in trouble occasionally for writing overly cynical descriptors of what was on TV that evening and generating upset letters to the editor.

Also not the principal purpose of the iPhone.

But the principal usage for sure.

I was expecting to read that article from mid-1800s or early 1900s lamenting how everyone just sits there in trains, public transports, etc. Just reading their newspapers and not paying attention to their surroundings or socializing.

Well, it was a visual version. But if anyone has a link to the article I remember, I would appreciate it.

Not what you asked for, but a related XKCD: https://xkcd.com/1227/

My recollection is fuzzy, maybe that was it? Thanks for sharing that one anyway!