Scramble for Likes

For many Nigerians, social media is no longer just a place to connect.
From TikTok and Instagram to X, likes, views and followers have become symbols of influence, relevance and success, fuelling an intense race for online attention.
In this story, Gist Nigeria’s Sarah Ayeku explores the growing obsession with going viral, the pressure to maintain a perfect online image, and the hidden costs of seeking validation in the digital age.