Linus Tech Tips – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Linus Tech Tips

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

YouTube2008

72%

WISE Score

16.7M

Subscribers

Enthusiastic tech nerds unbox, benchmark, and occasionally destroy expensive hardware—educational if your kid's already dreaming in RGB.

Linus Tech Tips

YouTube

2008

72%

WISE Score

16.7M

Subscribers

Enthusiastic tech nerds unbox, benchmark, and occasionally destroy expensive hardware—educational if your kid's already dreaming in RGB.

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16.7M

Screenwise Verdict

Linus Tech Tips is YouTube's enthusiastic tech teacher—if your kid is already into computers, this channel is genuinely educational and models curiosity and critical thinking. They'll learn about hardware, specs, and how to evaluate tech products beyond marketing hype.

The downsides: it's a gateway to expensive gear envy, sponsorships are constant (though disclosed), and the comments section is the usual YouTube chaos. Also, let's be real—if your kid isn't already dreaming about frame rates and RGB lighting, they'll find this incredibly boring.

It's a solid resource for tech-interested kids, but it's still YouTube, which means you're one autoplay away from who-knows-what. The channel itself is fine; the ecosystem is the concern. Use it as a learning tool, not a babysitter, and you're golden.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-17 who already have an interest in computers, gaming hardware, or tech. Younger kids will find it boring; older teens and adults who are into PC building will still watch. Not for casual viewers—this is for the kid who asks 'but what's the clock speed?' when you mention buying a new laptop.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Generally positive, enthusiastic tone with a team that genuinely loves tech. Linus and crew model curiosity and problem-solving. However, occasional mild frustration during builds, some sarcastic humor, and the occasional product roast can edge into snark. The pacing is energetic without being chaotic, and the team dynamic shows collaboration. No meanness, but not exactly Mr. Rogers either.

Imaginative

Strong on curiosity and exploration—constant 'what if we tried this?' energy. Unboxings, extreme builds (water-cooling everything, ridiculous RGB setups), and creative problem-solving invite viewers to think about tech possibilities. However, it's more reactive (reviewing what exists) than truly creative (building something from scratch). Still, the 'professionally curious' ethos and willingness to experiment with wild ideas scores well here.

Safe

No graphic content, violence, or mature themes. Occasional mild language (rare, but it happens in frustration during builds). The bigger concern: unmoderated comments are enabled on a massive channel (16.7M subscribers), and the tech focus can lead to consumerism and 'gear envy.' Sponsorships are clearly disclosed but frequent. Some videos feature expensive gear that could create unrealistic expectations. Overall, content itself is safe, but the YouTube ecosystem and consumer culture lower this score.

Enriching

Genuinely educational about how computers, hardware, and consumer tech work. Teaches critical thinking about specs, marketing claims, and value. Viewers learn troubleshooting, component compatibility, and performance metrics. The 'professionally curious' approach models scientific inquiry. However, it's niche—great for kids interested in tech, but limited broader enrichment. Entertainment value is high for the target audience, making learning feel effortless.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely educational about computer hardware, specs, and how tech actually works—demystifies the black box
Models curiosity, experimentation, and scientific thinking (even if it's about RGB lighting)
High production value and entertaining pacing make learning feel effortless for tech-interested kids
Teaches critical evaluation of marketing claims and value propositions
Could inspire interest in engineering, computer science, or content creation

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What to Watch For

Heavy focus on expensive gear and constant product reviews may fuel 'I need the latest GPU' syndrome
Sponsorships are disclosed but frequent—good opportunity to discuss advertising literacy
Comments section is a typical YouTube free-for-all with 16.7M subscribers—not monitored for kids
Niche content: if your kid isn't already into tech, this will bore them to tears
Occasional mild frustration or sarcastic humor during failed builds

Conversation Starters

"What's one thing you learned about how computers work from that video?"
"Why do you think companies sponsor these videos? How does that affect what Linus says about products?"
"If you could build your own gaming PC, what would be most important to you—speed, graphics, or something else?"
"Do you think spending $2,000 on a graphics card is worth it? Why or why not?"