NGL: The Appeal & Danger of Anonymous Messaging Apps

KEY POINTS

• NGL (Not Gonna Lie) is a messaging app that lets users anonymously judge others
• It piggybacks on Instagram and is especially popular with teens aged 13 and up
• The lack of accountability from anonymity can provide immunity for bad behavior
• In practice, anonymity encourages haters, bullies, and trolls as previous apps have shown
• Teens’ self-appraisal is especially vulnerable to negative feedback

NGL (Not Gonna Lie) is the latest in a long line of anonymous messaging apps. This one lets users receive anonymous messages through an NGL link on their Instagram bio or stories. Anonymity offers some titillating opportunities to get things off your chest, maybe share some thoughts you wouldn’t want to voice in public or let someone know you really like them-or really don’t.

Given the pressure cooker of the last few years, it’s not surprising that there would be pent-up emotions just waiting to burst forth. What could possibly go wrong?

NGL is Interesting Because It’s New

We’re in the shiny-penny stage of this app. Attention (like news stories) encourages more people to download the app and experiment. Experimentation with new…