Anyone here use webchaver? I’m thinking of getting it because it seems amazing and can open up my computer a bit. I was wondering if anyone here experienced some downsides that I don’t know about it.

thanks!

Beitzah3 wrote on 17 Aug 2022 17:09:

I've been using WebChaver for the past four months, and I'm very happy with it.
Just a few things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure you get yourself a good Chaver. Someone you respect and who won't shy away from approaching you if necessary
2. WebChaver itself is not a filter; you can add filtering for $2/month, which I did and recommend.
3. Even with the filter option, YouTube, social media, etc. will be open. You have the option of blacklisting those too. (Also recommended)

Otherwise, I'll reiterate that I'm very happy with it.

Beitzah3 wrote on 17 Aug 2022 17:09:

I use it. It’s great!!

I have heard some people complain about a downside that it slows down your computer, but in my experience that is absolutely not true. So try it out!

Webchaver is not compatible with most filters soo if you have an existing filter, see on their website if it is on their compatibility list. If their filtering options fits your needs then I would say go for it. Reliable and good customer service.

Thanks everyone - how well does it work with programs that aren’t browsers? I know for a fact that my current filter doesn’t cover those (and I’ve been fine with that) and I know of loopholes in my current filter. They haven’t been an issue, but was curious if webchaver would detect those as well

WC takes screenshots of your phone at random times and sends them (slightly blurred for privacy) in the report. So this works regardless of the app.
If it's an app that doesn't allow screenshots to be taken, such as Google Chrome in Incognito mode, the report will have the following message:
Unmonitored Screen Activity With a picture of the incognito icon.

Thanks - the same for a computer?

I use WebChaver with the filter on a Mac, but...
1) My wife is the Chaver and as long as WebChaver doesn't flag anything she doesn't read the report
2) It definitely causes a lag on the Mac when starting up the browser
3) I like the auto-setting of YouTube to restricted mode with the filter
4) Clean for almost 90 days but one of the pitfalls for me was Netflix and Webchaver isn't integrated to know whether you viewed inappropriate content on Netflix. Also, I unfortunately found out that the AI feature they boast about for inappropriate pictures doesn't seem to work. It would come up on the 'clean' site visits if someone scrolled down and saw the blurred screenshots mentioned above but you would need someone to really be on top of things.

As I result I basically don't use the Mac except for when my wife is in the room. Keeping WebChaver though more for the kids at this point.

Thanks for the insight. Is there a way to tell where it works/doesn’t work?

You mean the AI? It doesn't work for inappropriate Netflix videos. No idea about porn (though there really isn't much difference) and didn't test the filter...so there is that sentinel effect at least on me.

I think a rule of thumb is that the website classification seems to be at the domain level.

I mean for other applications - I have an program that has the ability to have an in-app browser which isn’t a “browser program.”

Not sure about that. I only used it on a Mac.

Beitzah3 wrote on 17 Aug 2022 21:47:

I have the gentech filter and I found it got rid of this issue of in app browsing.
Also for those interested in looking for a alternative, I used to have an app called truple. I think it ran a lot quicker than webchaver on my android, and I think I have netspark installed at the same time. A big downside was that the screenshots weren't in the email, you had to log into their website, so if your accountability partner is bad at checking their webchaver emails, I think its even less likely they would go and log on.

I would theoretically be using a windows laptop