The Screenwise Trends Panel is Google Market Research company that recruits people to be part of their internet research. It is now known Cross Media Panel now. Read the latest review here. The goal of the research is to discover more about how everyday people like you and I use the internet and mobile devices. It's run by a company called United Sample, Inc. (uSamp), on behalf of Google. You would think since Google has a gazillion dollars they can run it themselves. But I digress. Let's get back in to this Screenwise Trends Panel review.
How Does Screenwise Trends Work?
When you join the screenwise trends panel (which is free), you need to install Google's browser Chrome. Chrome is a great browser and better than Firefox and Internet Explorer anyway. So they're doing you a favor by requiring that it is your browser. Then you need to install a free application aka as a “browser extension” on each computer or laptop in your home that you own and use to browse the internet. If you have a tablet or smart phone, you install something called a “mobile meter” app.
Once you install this stuff on your personal devices, it will then track your behavior in the background. Google wants to discover user behavior such as what times of day people are surfing the net, how long they stay on webpages or use applications, and what types of sites and apps are popular, and which are not, etc. etc.
If you're a simple simon like me and enjoy picture books, this diagram may better explain how all this works.
How Much Money Do You Make?
So for the privilege of spying on you…. I mean researching your surfing habits; you are paid as follows:
- They give you $8 seven days after you sign up, download the Screenwise browser extension, and install the mobile meter.
- Then they hook you up with an additional $2 every week for staying a member.
So in total that's $112 per year for doing nothing but installing some software and surfing like you usually would. I suck at math so double check my figures. This
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What are the requirements to join Screenwise Trends Panel?
To join Screenwise Trends Panel you must:
- live in the US
- be 13 years old or over
- own your own computer
- have Internet access
- own a qualifying smartphone
- be able to install software (such as a browser extension) on your main computer
- be able to install an app on your smartphone
- use Google Chrome™ to browse the internet.
Note: anyone who is 13-17 years old must have the permission of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to participate.
How To Join ScreenWise Trends Panel!
Step 1: Click Here to join. (It's Free)
Step 2: Check your email (It may be in your spam folder) and click on confirmation link.
Step 3: Login and follow the rest of the directions.
Pros
Okay so let's talk about the good things about this company.
1. The company is effectively Google.
And we all know Google is a billion dollar company with a trusted brand. So there is no question of legitimacy here. I may not like everything Google does but I do know they are a legitimate company.
2. It's passive EXTRA income.
I love passive income which is why I became a blogger and affiliate marketer. Once I've created an article or video it will usually continue to make me money for years to come. Well, this is sort of like that but it's even easier since the work involved is just 10-15 minutes of getting set up. After that, the EXTRA money just rolls in. If you are interested in learning how I do what I do you can check out My Top Free Recommendation.
3. You're getting paid for what you already do!
That's always a huge plus for me. If I'm already going to surf the web and use my smartphone, why not make money doing it? That's a no brainer in that respect. This is why I also suggest joining other great sites like Inboxdollars.com, Swagbucks.com, Fusioncash.net, and Surveyjunkie.com.
This all sounds sweet but let's get really real…
Cons.
1. Privacy concerns.
Look it's bad enough there are cameras all over the place and our activities are being monitored in the guise of “national security”. Big brother is already here and watching. But it still makes me feel uncomfortable that my activities are being monitored by one of the biggest companies in the world. I know what some of you puritans are thinking. If you're not surfing porn or doing anything shady what do you have to hide? That's true. But it still doesn't sit well with me that they monitor everything.
2. Allusive Pay.
Is anyone else confused about the pay? They say you'll get x number of dollars per week and when you sign up. But then I see some mention of gift cards as rewards. Which is it? And if it is gift cards, the choices are a very limited selection not like InstaGc.com. Is the cash paid by Paypal or check? They aren't very clear about all this. Or maybe I'm a bit slow. It wouldn't be the first time.
3. Downloading unknown software gives me the heebie jeebies.
We've established that the company is legitimate. But I know some people have an aversion to downloading software because it may be a virus or malware. I haven't read any reports of this. But I know it's a concern.
4. Is it worth it?
In terms of the amount of time it requires to set up, it's a no brainer and easy. But in terms of your privacy, it may leave you feeling uncomfortable and that may not be worth the $112 you get every year. If that's your thought process then you might be better off trying My Top Free Recommendation or one of my other suggestions. Swagbucks.com, Inboxdollars.com, Surveyjunkie.com, and Fusioncash.net are not as intrusive and on top of that, they are likely to make you alot more money.
So Is Google's ScreenWise Trends Panel Legit & Safe?
It is legitimate in that ScreenwiseTrendsPanel.com will really pay you the money they claim. It's safe in that your computer won't have some shady virus or malware installed on it. So if that's your only concern, then you're good money and you can join by clicking here. However, if you feel your privacy isn't for sale, then this may not appeal to you. I'm not mad at ya either way. If this is you then you can…
Check Out My Top Free Recommendation
We all have different comfort levels. So you gotta roll with what works for you. I'm a big proponent for adding multiple streams of extra income because it all adds up. This is especially the case if you haven't had success landing a work from home job or still getting your online business off the ground. Easy wins like this will make you feel like you're making some headway especially when you combine it with my other extra income recommendations.
Well I've babbled enough. Now it's your turn to ramble on. Please post a comment below. I'd love to hear your experience, views or concerns. By the way, if you like articles like this and want more, be sure to subscribe using the form below this post. And if you're really a stalker… I mean fan, hit me up on Facebook, Twitter or Google+!
Thanks for reading and speak to you soon.
Hello,
I just received a request to join the panel in the mail today. Was wondering if this money is taxable. Also, Does a tech actually HAVE to enter my home for installation of a router? I’m currently disabled, but used to work as an IT Pro… router configuration is something I can practically do in my sleep, and I’m leery of allowing unknown people into my home. I can definitely use the extra cash, though.
I’m glad that I found your site today – you have tons of great information, and I’m looking forward to surfing ALL of it!
Thanks!
Hey A.J.,
All these type of online opportunities are taxable assuming you make enough to be taxed for the year. So this isn’t an off the books type of opportunity. I’m not sure about the installation aspect. You would probably have to visit their site and email them about this.
I’m glad you found my site as well. I’m sure as you read more of my reviews, you’ll find them useful. Be sure to check out my top recommendation since you’re looking to make some extra money.
I love screenwise panel, but if you get 800 a month, do u get penalize by the IRS, like me. How do u pay tax on cards and they say this is a job, I disagree because i’m Not working.
I have been on screenwise panel for over a year now and got terminated due to me being away in January and not well the month of February and was unable to get onto the panel…they suck…nowhere do they say that vacations and illness should be reported to them as to why one is unable to use the panel…therefore you can never rejoin their panel again…policy..well, I want to see that policy…discrimination I say…but unless you plan on not missing a beat I suggest you do not join screenwise….don’t get sick and don’t go away…BTW I was in foreign country..no internet access…thanks screenwise…NOT..
Sorry to hear about that Marilou. Sometimes companies bury this stuff in their terms and conditions and most of us don’t read those fine details. Either way they should make an exception.
Just letting you know that I read the Google research article you have posted and it has a missing link after the part in yellow of how to make $500 per year. It says, [wpsharely id=”5769″³].
Also, you mention alusive pay in your article but never make it clear. Are you getting paid in check, direct deposit, or gift cards? I know you have been doing this for awhile and should have some viable info by now. I read some of the reviews, I would just think it better to update the story. Hope this helps.
Thanks Jason. I’ve fixed the article. In terms of the allusive pay, I believe it’s in gift cards. The company has actually changed names to Cross Media Panel now. So read that review for more updated in.
I am a member of screenwise excellent pay much better then stated.The company must have changed. I get a choice of gifts ,Visa gift card or online gift card I have no issues with them.The pay has gone up significantly.As for router I have own on system yes takes about 2 weeks to recieve card but more than worth it.
Hey Diana,
I’m glad to hear it’s improved. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
now changed again $6 a month used to be $40 plus now add my TV
so bye to them
Its not a scam. I installed it months ago and completely forgot about it and i checked it and had like 50 soemthing bucks that i redeemed for amazon codes which worked.
Hey Patryk,
Thanks for sharing your experience and agreeing with my review.
Getting the router and software set up has been a long drawn out nightmare. after trying several times to instal it myself, then with help from the help desk, I had to have the guy come out. My son finally set up his user profile but I was unable to set up mine. So they dropped us from the program. Yeah have not tried to collect the router like they said they would so I think they just stopped paying us and are just collecting data. Now I have to go rough the hassle of getting my old router back from my provider and having it set back up.
This has been hugely inconvenient, they rewards have not come as promised, and the software is a pain to use because I have to re log on all the time.
These guys are incredibly incompetent and unethical.
I have been using screen wise for a while now and received my $50 gift card to Walmart yesterday. I was so excited, went into Walmart this morning only for them to tell me my card had a zero balance, they printed off the activity for my card and it showed the card had been issued over a month ago and then someone went shopping a couple of times and then left me with a zero balance. I am really really not happy right now, it was embarrassing and seriously inconvenienced me. I will be contacting them to find out why they would send me a used card.
Michele, that is crazy! Who does that? Definitely contact them and see what they have to say.
I’m a member of Screenwisetrends since September 2014. I have redeemed lots of Amazon gift cards since. Granted, it takes a little while to receive your money but for something which is given to me for free I have no complaints.
I have a question though. I would like to accumulate $50 and cash it out via PayPal. Does my PayPal email address have to be the same as my Screenwisetrends or do I have the option to send it to a different email address? My PayPal email is not with gmail but I can change it if it’s necessary. Thanks in advance!
Hey Andrea,
I’m glad you’ve had a good experience with them. You would need to ask them regarding your paypal question. But I imagine like most companies they allow you to use the email address that is associated with your paypal account which could be different than what you signed up with for their company. But just confirm by emailing them directly.
I’ve been “pending” for 4 weeks now and only need $2 to receive a reward. After multiple support tickets going unanswered I am extremely disappointed and ready to cancel it altogether. I’m really trying to build up my amazon account by Christmas and could use the $25 :/
“Scam” in my opinion