Final answer:
The most popular magazine in the world during the mid-1980s was Reader's Digest, known for its wide variety of content.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the mid-1980s, the most popular magazine in the world was Reader's Digest. Although National Geographic was widely recognized and appreciated for its educational content and portrayal of global cultures and geography, it did not surpass Reader's Digest in popularity during that time. Reader's Digest had a broader appeal with its variety of articles including humor, health, and inspirational stories, contributing to its status as the most popular magazine globally.