Algorithmic feeds are the problem here, which are exacerbated by features like autoplay and infinite scrolling. Users should by default only be served content from channels they explicitly chose to subscribe to. Algorithmic feeds should be separate from this subscription-based feed, and only bleed over if subscribed to said channels; which shouldn’t be any different for shorts (only showing shorts from subscribed-to channels, if not hidden altogether when preferred). Simply put: make timelines finite again, by not endlessly resupplying it with spam; which includes the unhealthy amount of “sponsored content”.