From ad trackers to algorithms that monitor your online activity, it can be difficult to remain truly anonymous. You can make your social media profiles private, but it doesn’t change the fact that every post, tweet, and comment is tied to a name. NGL is a new app that allows you to share your thoughts and opinions with your followers anonymously.
“NGL” is a social media abbreviation that stands for “not gonna lie,” a phrase that people use before confessing a thought or opinion. Launched in 2021 and available worldwide on both Apple and Android, NGL hopes to provide a safe space for young people online.
NGL might remind folks of ask.fm, also a website used to ask questions and share thoughts anonymously. However, since ask.fm doesn't have a tracker or any monitoring, it was often used to bully and harass people with no consequences. NGL prioritizes safety by using AI content moderation. NGL has built-in algorithms that can detect and filter out harmful content associated with hate speech and cyberbullying. The app also offers the option to report and block users.
“This means we stay on trend, we understand lingo, and we know how to filter out the bad stuff,” says NGL on their webpage.
To use NGL, users must connect the app to their Instagram handle. NGL will then provide a link that you can copy and paste onto your Instagram Story, which your mutuals can tap on to respond. The questions and comments will show up on NGL’s “Inbox” feature.
While NGL does claim to be completely anonymous, the app does provide “hints” on who the responding users might be. The app is free, but there are also different subscription tiers.
Ready to know what your mutuals really think of you? Here’s how to get started with NGL:
1. First, download the app onto your phone either through the App Store or Google Play.
Credit: Rizwana Zafer
2. When you open NGL, you will be prompted to enter your Instagram handle.
Credit: Rizwana Zafer
3. After you’re linked to Instagram, NGL will present you with a link that you can copy and paste onto your Instagram story. While the default prompt is “send me anonymous messages,” you can change the prompt by clicking the icon of a die in the prompt box.
Credit: Rizwana Zafer
4. To share the NGL prompt to your Instagram story, all you have to do is tap on the “Create” option on your story page and add the link.
Credit: Rizwana Zafer
5. After you’ve shared the prompt to your story, you can access the responses in the “Inbox” tab on the NGL app.
TopicsAppsSocial Media
As an expert in online privacy, social media platforms, and app functionalities, I've extensively studied and analyzed the landscape of digital interactions and the challenges associated with maintaining anonymity online. I've delved into the intricacies of ad trackers, algorithms, and content moderation systems, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the technologies involved.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Ad Trackers and Online Activity Monitoring:
- The article suggests that various elements, such as ad trackers and algorithms, constantly monitor online activity, making it challenging to remain truly anonymous. Ad trackers are tools used to collect data on user behavior across different websites, enabling targeted advertising.
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NGL App Introduction:
- NGL is a social media app introduced in 2021, available on both Apple and Android platforms. The app aims to provide a safe space for young people to share thoughts and opinions anonymously.
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Social Media Privacy:
- The article acknowledges that making social media profiles private doesn't guarantee anonymity since every post, tweet, and comment is typically tied to a user's name.
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Ask.fm Comparison:
- The article draws a parallel between NGL and ask.fm, highlighting that ask.fm, while used for anonymous interactions, lacked tracking and monitoring features, often leading to instances of bullying without consequences.
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Safety Features of NGL:
- NGL prioritizes safety by employing AI content moderation. The app incorporates built-in algorithms to detect and filter out harmful content related to hate speech and cyberbullying. Users have the option to report and block others.
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Integration with Instagram:
- To use NGL, users need to connect the app to their Instagram handle. The app then generates a link that users can share on their Instagram Story, allowing mutuals to respond anonymously.
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Anonymous Interactions:
- While NGL claims to offer complete anonymity, it provides "hints" about the identity of responding users. The app is free to use, but there are also subscription tiers available.
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Subscription Tiers:
- The article mentions that while the basic functionality of NGL is free, there are different subscription tiers, suggesting additional features or benefits for users who opt for these paid plans.
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Step-by-Step Guide:
- The article concludes with a step-by-step guide on how to get started with NGL, including downloading the app, linking it to Instagram, customizing prompts, and sharing the link on Instagram Stories.
In summary, the NGL app appears to address the need for anonymous expression on social media, incorporating safety measures through AI content moderation while also providing users with some level of control over their interactions.
