You're right, they do blend into the background somewhat. I can't imagine what it was like before modern devices though. When I get on the bus, usually no matter how crowded it is I can just about manage to squeeze open my phone/kindle with one hand while hanging on to something with the other, allowing me reasonably good escapism from the horror of the situation.

In the 1930's London was more populated than it is now, and there were no devices. It was probably a lot smellier, louder and grimier too. I can't imagine coping in that city.