TAM—thanks for popping in to read and share a comment—
I have the same question and the fact that back-to-back witnessed it disturbed and prompted me to write it and get others’ perspective.

One theory of mine:
Do the highlighting, let be for enough time to allow Medium to send notification ;
Author sees name and highlight
Author wishes to reciprocate a read and beads over the profile
Read and claps—
Once highlight remove —it prevents others users from seeing how rampant it is.

I’ve seen this profile consistently but as anew writer I just took it that they like to highlight as others I’ve seen here.

But the occurrence of highlighting the entire really messed up the coloring of what I was reading and I was so engaged I just happened to be very mindful of the experience and make a note.

I waited over 24 hours for this profile to address it and at least offer a defense

Nope. But I took a screenshot that it highlighted my article. 😌🤷🏾‍♀️

Nice to meet you! I began your story and was interrupted but wanted to focus and finish your story shortly!!

Cheers