What Is NGL? Is It Really Anonymous or Safe on Instagram?

Anonymous messages let people communicate without showing their identity. Today, there are several apps that allow this, NGL is one of them. In this guide, we'll explain more about NGL on Instagram — what is it, how to use it, and is it really safe.

Does Instagram Has Anonymous Messages?

Currently, Instagram does not officially offer this feature, so you cannot send anonymous direct messages within Instagram itself.

Instead, third-party apps like NGL makes it possible on Instagram. NGL lets you share a link so others can leave you anonymous messages. This way, you can receive messages on Instagram without knowing who sent them.

How Does NGL Work on Instagram?

NGL (short for "Not Gonna Lie") is a third-party app that allows people to send you private messages anonymously. It was launched in 2021 by a team of California-based developers and designers. Today, it's available in most countries and works on both Android and iOS devices.

Want to know how to post anonymous questions on Instagram? Here are the simple steps:

When someone replies, you'll get a notification in the NGL app. You can read the message, but you won't know who sent it.

Is It Safe to Use Anonymous Messages on Instagram

Because of the hidden identity, people feel free to say whatever they want. Sadly, this often leads to cyberbullying and can harm the mental health of the person receiving the messages.

Experts warn about several big risks when using apps like NGL. Here are the main ones:

Cyberbullying

The biggest risk of anonymous messages is cyberbullying. This includes sending offensive, hurtful, or abusive messages while hiding behind anonymity.

Although NGL has “Hidden words” and “Advanced filtering” setting to block harmful content by words, NBC News found that many harmful messages still go through. For example, some insults and phrases like You're fat, Everyone hates you, You're a loser, or You're ugly were not blocked.

Privacy Risks

Another big danger is privacy violations. Hackers may try to steal data like your IP address, location, phone model, or unique identifiers (like IMEI).

In more serious cases, skilled hackers may even access your email, phone number, browsing history, apps, or even your camera, just like with mobile malware.

Fraud and Scams

Anonymous messages can also be used for scams. Criminals may send threats, phishing attempts, or fake offers to trick users into giving away money or personal information.

No Age Verification

NGL's terms say users must be 18 years old. However, there is no real age check, so anyone with an Instagram account can create an NGL account easily.

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

Anonymous apps can expose kids to adult content, violence, or drugs. Imagine this, your child got an anonymous reply with a pornographic link, which can be very harmful. In some cases, it could even lead to online sexual extortion.

Mental Health Problems

Finally, anonymous bullying can severely impact mental health. Victims may develop depression, anxiety, or even suicidal thoughts. Sadly, there are real cases where online bullying has led to tragedy.

Protect Your Kids from Anonymous Bullying on Instagram

Apps like NGL may seem fun, but they carry risks for kids and teens. Parents should monitor their child's use and take action to keep them safe.

1Have Open Communication

Talk openly with your kids so they feel comfortable telling you if they face bullying, harassment, or suspicious online behavior.

2Use Parental Control Tools

Tools like AirDroid Parental Control can help you monitor notifications, blocking harmful apps, and set alerts for risky keywords.

Key Features of AirDroid Parental Control:

• Notification Syncing: View all incoming social media messages from your child's phone.
• Social Content Detection: Get alerts when risky words appear in your child’s Instagram.
• GPS Tracking: Track real-time location and movement history.
• Content Restrictions: Limit app use and block harmful apps or websites.

3Report and Block

If someone harasses your child, use Instagram's "Report" and "Block" features to stop further contact.

4Adjust Privacy Settings

Set your child's Instagram account to private so only approved followers can see their content.

5Avoid Anonymous Messaging Apps

The best way to prevent risks is to avoid apps like NGL altogether. Encourage your kids not to use these apps until they're old enough to understand the dangers.

Keep Your Kids Safe Online!

Now that you know the risks of anonymous Instagram messages and how to prevent them, don't wait! Talk to your kids about these dangers and use tools like AirDroid Parental Control to keep them safe from bullying, harassment, and cybercrime.

FAQs

Is NGL really anonymous?

Elsa

Not really. Although NGL keeps messages anonymous, some experts believe it's not as private as it seems, as the app itself states that it collects personal data and information from its users. Moreover, with the premium version, users can still know something about the person who answer the anonymous question.

What is the minimum age to use NGL?

Elsa

NGL does not have any age verification, so basically anyone can use it.

Is NGL safe?

Elsa

The app claims to be safe and free from viruses or malware. However, it still poses a privacy risk because of the amount of data it collects from users.

Can you find out who asked the questions on Instagram?

Elsa

Yes, the so-called "anonymous" app offers a paid Pro version that gives hints about who sent the message. That’s why many people believe it’s not truly secure.

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