What is the NGL App?
NGL stands for “not gonna lie.” Here’s the description for how it works straight from the Apple App Store:
- Share your NGL link anywhere
- Friends answer right on your story
- Get responses on NGL
To ensure the safety of our users we use world-class AI content moderation. We utilize deep learning and rule-based character pattern-matching algorithms to filter out harmful language and bullying. Ultimately we believe that anonymity only works when it’s safe! (Their AI content moderation is failing)
App Category: Lifestyle
Corporate website: NGL – ask fun
APP Store rating:Â
What do parents need to know about NGL?
NGL allows anonymous feedback. End of story. No app that allows anonymous feedback is healthy for teens. Now, there are some teens who might benefit from sharing about their own lives anonymously in a forum due to some struggle or embarrassment (i.e., confessing a porn addiction and looking for guidance – we receive these). But, that’s different than social-media-driven requests for others to tell me anonymous things without repercussions.
NGL gained a lot of attention through Instagram in 2022 after Snapchat disallowed anonymous sharing apps. Snap was being sued for the death of teens attribute to bullying through the use of NGL on Snap (article). We’ve called on Mr. Mosseri and Instagram to follow suit quickly.
However, it appears that NGL is working on Snapchat again. Sometimes it’s buggy. But downloading the app in June of 2024 shows the option to use Snapchat… from there, users can then select which kind of question they want to post, and the answers will appear in the inbox below.
No real content settings, no controls, just some links to copy and an inbox to view them. While they claim there is content moderation via AI, it isn’t working well enough according to NBC News.
Back in 2022, we shared the following video on Instagram and Facebook, describing how NGL works:
Bottom Line: Is NGL safe for your kids?
Anonymous feedback is always a dumpster fire. There’s a path littered with anonymous message apps that all die after a short while. No one wins when there’s no accountability for your actions (whether you’re 14 or 40).
- Talk to your kids about your expectations about what types of apps are allowable.
- If you want to allow kids to pick apps but with permission – Set up Screen Time (Apple) or Family Link (Android).
- If you want to prevent access to app stores altogether – Turn off the App Store in Screen Time (iPhone) or use an App Lock (Android).
What if I have more questions? How can I stay up to date?
Two actions you can take!
- Subscribe to our tech trends newsletter, the PYE Download. About every 3 weeks, we’ll share what’s new, what the PYE team is up to, and a message from Chris.
- Ask your questions in our private parent community called The Table! It’s not another Facebook group. No ads, no algorithms, no asterisks. Just honest, critical conversations and deep learning! For parents who want to “go slow” together. Become a member today!
