Sometimes we ask questions on our social networks looking for an honest answer. However, we will not always receive as many responses as we would expect. Many people who follow us are shy, and have some hesitation when making a personal comment or showing us their feelings. For this, anonymous response platforms such as Ask.fm were created long ago. One of these services is NGL , which has full integration with Instagram and will allow you to communicate anonymously with your audience through Stories . It is a good idea?
Communicate with your audience anonymously on Instagram
NGL is the new fashion app that everyone uses on Instagram. It is an anonymous question and answer service that is integrated into the social network. In this way, we will be able to ask our followers a question without them revealing their identity when answering.
The app works in a very simple way. When publishing the story, we will place a link that will automatically take you to the NGL service —which stands for ‘Not Gonna Lie’, that is, ‘I’m not going to lie to you’—. There, our followers will be able to answer without fear of their identity being revealed .
To use the app you just have to download it from the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android) and authorize access to our Instagram account . Then it will be as simple as copying and pasting the generated link. The app is completely free , although it has some micropayments in a Pro version, with which we can see some extra data, but always without revealing any type of identity to anyone.
Is it a good idea to use NGL?
This app is not the first to add a layer of anonymity to social networks. There have already been previous cases such as Ask.fm, Curious Cat or YikYak. And, although we can all be tempted to use one of these platforms due to the dopamine rush that can be caused by knowing that we have a secret admirer —or simply receiving positive comments—, the truth is that these applications tend to reap very bad reputation , because they put it on a platter to cyberbullies.
Last 2021, Snapchat banned the Yolo and LMK apps from its platform, two services like NGL that were reported after an underage girl took her own life after receiving systematic harassment from her followers. Subsequently, multiple investigations have concluded that neither of the two platforms complied with the laws for the protection of minors.
NGL ensures that it uses high-precision algorithms to detect harassment , being able to intercept messages to prevent them from harming their recipients. However, at NBC News they put the system to the test and managed to sneak in totally inappropriate phrases by choosing the right terms. Therefore, the system is not infallible. Using it or not is up to you.
Use NGL with common sense
Obviously, NGL has good intentions, and used well with the right audience it can be a very fun tool. In fact, there are many testimonials from kids who have spoken for the first time —and even started a relationship— after using the app, because they had a mutual feeling, but were paralyzed by their shyness .
Like everything on the Internet, use social networks wisely. If you have a large list of ‘Best Friends’ on Instagram, you can start there. Once you open yourself up to a larger audience, don’t hesitate to report in the app in case you receive any kind of harassment.
