gig economy Archives

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

Anonymous messaging app NGL is acquired by the EarnPhone maker Mode Mobile

NGL has partnered with Mode Mobile, known for its “EarnPhone,” which allows users to earn money through everyday tasks while viewing advertisements. NGL gained popularity in late 2021, becoming a notable anonymous messaging app alongside others like LMK and YOLO, but faced controversies related to bullying and harassment. In 2022, Snapchat banned third-party apps like NGL after a lawsuit related to a suicide. NGL also reportedly sent fake messages to users, leading to a fine from the FTC and a prohibition on offering services to minors. Following the acquisition, NGL's founders will step back, and the remaining employees will integrate into Mode Mobile, which monetizes user attention through rewards for engagement in activities like listening to music or browsing the internet.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

I played a visual novel about the terror of having a ‘casual’ boss and a job that wants you to conform to society’s expectations—but not the ones involving economic stability

Truer than You is a visual novel that explores the gig economy, where players navigate tasks through a mobile app similar to Fiverr. Players engage in various gigs, such as helping an artist create a video or accompanying socially isolated individuals, with their performance rated on a scale of one to five. The game highlights the pressures of gig work, as players may feel dissatisfied with a four-out-of-five rating. It is available on platforms like Steam and itch.io, offering a demo for players to experience its narrative.