NGL

NGL

app

Teen, 2022, Social

WISE
3%

WISE Score

4.8

App Store

Anonymous messaging app that's basically a cyberbullying delivery system—the FTC agrees.

Where to Find

App Store
App Store
Google Play
Google Play
Screenwise Verdict

This is an easy one: NGL is a hard no.

The app is literally facing legal action from the FTC and LA District Attorney's Office for deceptive practices around safety claims. It promised 'world class AI content moderation' but couldn't deliver. It marketed itself as a 'safe space for teens' while requiring users to be 18+ in its terms.

The core problem is baked into the design: 100% anonymity means zero accountability. NGL itself admits it has 'no way of knowing the identity of the user and would not be able to find out, even if we tried.' That's not a bug, it's the feature—and it's exactly why this app becomes a vehicle for cyberbullying, harassment, and cruelty.

We've seen this movie before with Ask.fm, Yik Yak, Sarahah, and every other anonymous messaging app. They all follow the same pattern: launch with promises of 'authentic connection,' devolve into toxicity, cause real harm to kids, then either shut down or fade into obscurity.

Bark, Qustodio, Gabb, and every other reputable parenting safety organization all say the same thing: keep your kids away from NGL. Listen to them.

Age Fit

This app is not appropriate for anyone under 18 per its own terms of service, and honestly, it's questionable for adults too. Every child safety expert recommends keeping kids far away from NGL.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
5

Anonymous messaging is fundamentally designed to bypass accountability, which creates an environment ripe for bullying, harassment, and cruel behavior. The FTC and LA DA's Office filed action against NGL for deceptive practices. The app's own terms require users to be 18+, yet it was marketed to teens. This isn't wholesome—it's toxic by design.

Imaginative
10

There's nothing creative or imaginative about anonymous question boxes. It's a rehash of apps like Yik Yak, Ask.fm, Sarahah, and every other anonymous messaging disaster from the past decade. The 'Pro' version offers 'hints' about sender identity—which defeats the anonymity premise—showing the whole concept is hollow.

Safe
2

Multiple sources confirm NGL is dangerous for kids. The FTC alleges the app made false claims about AI content moderation and safety. NGL admits it's '100% anonymous' and has 'no way of knowing the identity of the user,' making it impossible to address harassment. Bark, Qustodio, and Gabb all warn parents to keep kids away. Despite claiming to be a 'safe space for teens,' the terms require users to be 18+. This is a lawsuit-worthy safety disaster.

Enriching
3

Anonymous messaging apps don't build skills, empathy, or growth—they typically do the opposite by removing accountability from communication. The only 'enrichment' here is learning hard lessons about cyberbullying and digital cruelty. No educational value, no meaningful connection, just a recipe for anxiety.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Literally nothing. This app has no redeeming qualities for kids or teens.
  • Even for adults, anonymous messaging platforms have a long history of toxicity.
  • The only 'positive' is it might spark important conversations about digital safety after something goes wrong.
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What to Watch For

  • The FTC and LA DA filed action against NGL for lying about safety features and AI moderation
  • 100% anonymous means zero accountability—perfect for bullies, terrible for targets
  • Despite being marketed to teens, the terms of service require users to be 18+
  • The app admits it cannot identify users even if harassment occurs
  • Every major parenting safety organization warns against this app

Conversation Starters

  • "Have you heard of NGL? What do your friends say about it?"
  • "Why do you think people act differently when they're anonymous online?"
  • "If someone sent you a mean anonymous message, how would that make you feel?"
  • "What's the difference between honest feedback and just being cruel?"

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