Beyond the Endless Scroll

The newspaper may no longer dominate mornings, but it continues to offer perspective, editorial judgment and a rare escape from algorithm-driven distraction

- KM PRASHANTH

The other day, while travelling on the metro, I happened to look around at my fellow passengers.

Almost everyone seemed glued to a mobile phone. Those seated were scrolling through their screens, while many standing passengers were equally engrossed in their devices.

As I watched this familiar scene unfold, a question crossed my mind: does anyone still read a physical newspaper?

For those who grew up before smartphones became an extension of our hands, reading a newspaper was more than a habit—it was a ritual. I still remember the pleasure of unfolding the morning paper with a cup of tea and spending time moving from one page to another, discovering stories from different parts of the world.

What I miss most is the sense of immersion. A newspaper demands our attention in a way that digital platforms rarely do. There are no notifications, pop-up advertisements, or endless links competing for our focus. The experience encourages us to slow down, reflect, and absorb information more deeply.