Yes, I have encountered this and it happens seasonally. It seemed to have slowed down after I wrote about it but it is starting to pick up again. I can't stand it. Is it possible clapping before you read can cause this? Possible. But I doubt Medium's system stops counting read time when we clap. It's more likely that it stops read time when we stop strolling or when we click off the story. Could it be the audio feature? It's possible but fake reading happened before the audio feature.

I think it is a big part of being known as one who "reads back and engages." It's a shame but I've been told, "I followed you because you 'engage and read back."