Arguably, same with books and - even moreso - newspapers. I vaguely remember doomsaying about people only scanning newspaper headlines.

But think about it, a good newspaper has a mix of news, background, entertainment, opinions, adverts, etc - not unlike browsing reddit or twitter, it's a barrage of emotional ups and downs and items asking for your attention in different ways.

With that in mind I don't think the concept of distraction is new.

Once you read thru the newspaper you are done. Nothing new left. Not so with the smartphone. Always new.