Common Sense Media Review
By Christy Matte
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Content filter extension easy to use, hard to fine-tune.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Tune
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
TUNE is a Chrome extension that allows the user to set various filter levels for the comments and discussions on popular websites like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and Disqus. The general filter works like a volume dial that users can turn up (less filtration, more "noise") or down, which will show more comments or fewer, respectively. Tune filters on the fly so that users can quickly see how the filter is performing on a particular thread or comment. Tune also has the option to filter specific types of comments, like insults, threats, hate speech (attacks on identity), and sexually explicit language.
Is It Any Good?
For those days when you want less negativity in your life, it's helpful to have an option to tune out the worst comments so that you can focus on the more positive/helpful remarks. Tune steps up to the plate in that regard, filtering out comments or entire threads that are harassing, vulgar, or profane based on your own comfort level. The Tune volume dial is easy to use, but it's not entirely clear what's blocked out at any given level. It may require some playing around to figure out what works best. Because it's experimental and language is both subjective and up to interpretation, Tune isn't a guarantee that nothing inappropriate will sneak through to kids. It also doesn't restrict other behaviors, like sharing phone numbers and addresses. Ultimately, Tune is a useful tool, but it's best for making your day a little bit brighter. It's just not designed or reliable as a parental control.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which social media sites and forums are acceptable for kids to use and how Tune might help use those sites. How can kids report unacceptable content on that site, whether it's bullying, hate speech, profanity, or something else?
Talk about what language is or is not appropriate for kids to use based on your family guidelines. What are your expectations for how your kids will communicate with others online?
App Details
- Device : Chromebook
- Pricing structure : Free
- Release date : March 12, 2019
- Genre : Other
- Publisher : Perspective
- Version : 0.2.5
- Minimum software requirements : Chrome
- Last updated : June 12, 2019
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate