I think this article would be much better if it didn't focus on the tool, but on the content. As you mention, it's attention that's so damn detrimental. I've heard the term "dopamine-hacking" more than a few time over the last year to describe what Facetwitstagram are doing to us. Our apps have trained us that we never need to be bored, if we can instead be distracted by them. Youtube's algorithms are optimised to make you watch longer. Whether that time is enjoyable, engaging, interesting or informative doesn't matter.
If you view the article through the lens of its intended audience, it isn't bad at all. the Globe and Mail is Canada's version of USA Today with some NY Post thrown in; it's basically the journal of cranky old white men. Basically, this is evidence that Turkle's research has finally trickled down to Fox News, at least up north.