Background of the study
Social media algorithms play a crucial role in determining the visibility of digital content, impacting how information is disseminated and consumed. Digital news outlets in Lagos, Nigeria, are particularly affected by these algorithms, which govern the ranking and distribution of news content across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (Olatunji, 2023). These algorithms consider various factors—including user engagement, relevance, and recency—to decide which articles appear in users’ feeds, thereby influencing public discourse and readership. As digital news consumption grows, understanding the mechanisms behind content visibility is essential for news outlets to maintain audience reach and credibility. However, algorithmic changes, opaque ranking criteria, and the prevalence of misinformation complicate this landscape (Afolabi, 2024). This study investigates how social media algorithms affect the visibility of content on a digital news outlet in Lagos. It examines the interplay between algorithmic factors and content performance, aiming to provide insights into strategies that can enhance content reach and engagement in an increasingly competitive digital environment (Eze, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Digital news outlets in Lagos struggle with the unpredictable nature of social media algorithms, which often result in reduced content visibility and lower audience engagement. Despite efforts to optimize content, changes in algorithmic criteria and the lack of transparency pose significant challenges (Olatunji, 2023). This study seeks to understand the impact of these algorithms on content visibility and to identify the factors that can improve the reach of digital news. The goal is to bridge the gap between editorial efforts and algorithmic outcomes, ensuring that quality journalism reaches its intended audience (Afolabi, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
To analyze the impact of social media algorithms on content visibility.
To identify key factors that affect the reach of digital news.
To recommend strategies for improving content visibility on social media.
Research Questions
How do social media algorithms influence content visibility for digital news outlets?
What factors determine the reach of online news content?
How can digital news outlets optimize their content strategies to overcome algorithmic challenges?
Significance of the study
This study provides critical insights into the role of social media algorithms in shaping content visibility. Its findings will help digital news outlets in Lagos refine their content strategies to improve audience engagement and ensure broader dissemination of news, ultimately supporting quality journalism in the digital age (Eze, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to an inquiry into the effects of social media algorithms on content visibility within a digital news outlet in Lagos, Nigeria.
Definitions of Terms
Social Media Algorithms: Automated systems that determine the ranking and visibility of content on social platforms.
Content Visibility: The extent to which digital content is seen by its intended audience.
Digital News Outlet: An online platform that disseminates news and information.
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