Algorithms Shape News Consumption for Nigerians

The article examines the impact of algorithms on news consumption among Nigerian readers, highlighting that they do not choose their news; instead, algorithms dictate what appears in their feeds. This shift has occurred as an entire generation has grown up with personalized news feeds that prioritize engagement over truth and balance.

Previously, editorial decisions were made by humans who determined which stories were most important, but now, the focus is on capturing attention, often through sensationalism and conflict. The article points out that even if readers follow multiple credible sources, the algorithm may still favor content that generates more engagement, leading to a skewed perception of news.

This phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria but is part of a global trend, exacerbated by low institutional trust and a young, mobile-first audience. The challenges of media literacy are underscored, as the infrastructure of news delivery is not designed to provide balanced perspectives.