This (variable rewards -> gambling, illusion of control) is really important.

I'm not an expert in the psych/neuro literature on addiction, but I suspect latency isn't that critical. But is that just because it's things like fruit-machines that have been studied? Gambling (poker, racehorses) are quite long-latency. OTOH, scrolling is closer to 400ms, and that's certainly the modern addition...

Well said! My only qualm with this is saying you hope "it" has our interests at heart. "It" is a machine made by humans that work for corporations. I would correct your hope to, "I hope they have our interest at heart by then."

This is being overlooked, downplayed, or simply not understood, by many commenters.

It is exactly like the proverbial monkey or rat pressing a bar for a food pellet to come out.

If the pellet unerringly drops, and is always tasty and nutritious, the rat stops when it's no longer hungry.

Otherwise, an inordinate amount of time is spent pressing the bar.