How do scripts work, and how can I be sure they are safe?

CarlsIII@kbin.social to /kbin meta@kbin.social – 4 points –

I keep seeing recommendations for scripts, but I’m not eager to just start installing a bunch of random stuff on my phone.

3

There's a few things you can do if you can't read code. See people's feedback and reviews, look at the source of the script and see how that person is, keep your browser up to date as it usually will detect anything malicious for you. There is an entire mag here dedicated to user scripts and styles and the comments and activity level of the authors alone are a great indicator of their trustworthiness. Not that it might mean much to you since I am a stranger, but I have written a script and downloaded over 20 scripts and 7 themes from this mag, and nothing bad has ever happened, it's never malicious, and the authors are dedicated and trustworthy. I participate in the mag as well. If it makes you feel better, stick to scripts and userstyles within that mag that I linked, and you'll be good to go (ㅅ´ ˘ `)