US Patent 10915567 Content selection metric determination for a content distribution system

A content distribution system determines a content selection metric that allows the content distribution system to evaluate whether a content provider maximizes its net content value by stating the true content value of presenting content items by the content distribution system. The content distribution system determines net content values of presented content items and re-performs content selection processes based on modified content value offers. The content distribution system then determines sets of alternative net content values and compares the alternative net content values to the corresponding net content values to determine if the content provider can achieve a greater net content value with a content value offer that does not match the stated content value of presenting the content value. The content distribution system then determines a content selection metric based on the compared net content values and alternative net content values.