World ID Pros and Cons
A Thorough Guide to Benefits and Considerations Before Registering
Quick Summary
- 1.Pros: Earn WLD tokens, proof of humanity in AI era, credibility while maintaining anonymity
- 2.Cons: Resistance to iris scanning, need to visit Orb location, limited supported services
- 3.Conclusion: Great benefits for creators and those who value credibility
1. World ID Pros
✓ Receive WLD Tokens Regularly
After completing Orb verification, you can receive WLD (Worldcoin) tokens regularly through the World App.
- •Receive your first WLD 24 hours after Orb verification
- •Continue receiving WLD regularly (currently monthly)
- •Get additional bonuses using referral codes
✓ Prove You're a Real Human in the AI Era
With the advancement of generative AI, it's becoming harder to distinguish humans from AI online. World ID proves there's a real human behind an account.
- •Prove you're not a bot or fake account
- •Prevent multiple accounts (Sybil attacks)
- •Build a trustworthy online identity
✓ Show Credibility While Staying Anonymous
World ID uses zero-knowledge proofs, allowing you to prove you're a real human without revealing personal information.
- •No need to reveal name, address, or age
- •Different IDs issued per service, making tracking impossible
- •Gain trust while protecting your privacy
✓ Access World ID-Enabled Services
With World ID, you can register and log in to services that require proof of humanity.
- •Humanary: Profile service for Orb-verified users
- •DeFi protocols, DAOs, and other services requiring Sybil resistance
- •More services expected to support World ID
✓ Extra Income Through Referral Codes
After Orb verification, you can generate your own referral code. When friends use your code for Orb verification, both parties receive bonus WLD.
- •Bonuses for both referrer and referee
- •Share your code on Humanary with verified credibility
2. World ID Cons
✗ Psychological Resistance to Iris Scanning
Many people feel uncomfortable with the idea of "scanning their eyes." It can evoke dystopian sci-fi imagery.
In reality: The iris image itself is not stored—only an irreversible binary code (IrisCode) is recorded. While technically designed to protect privacy, psychological discomfort varies by individual. See Privacy and Safety for details.
✗ Limited Supported Services
While World ID-supported services are growing, they're not yet mainstream. Daily use cases remain limited.
Future potential: The need for proof of humanity in the AI era is growing, and supported services are expected to increase. Getting verified early means being ready for future services.
✗ Must Visit an Orb Location
To get full World ID (Orb verification), you need to visit a verification location. Rural areas may have fewer locations.
In Japan: Orb verification is available at over 240 locations nationwide. Urban areas have relatively easy access.
✗ Uncertainty of New Technology
World ID is a relatively new project, and its long-term reliability is unknown. Policy changes or technical issues are always possible.
Mitigating factors: Open-source protocol design and decentralized World Chain reduce dependency on any single company.
3. Recommended For
- ✓Content Creators
Show fans you're a real person. Also effective against impersonation
- ✓Crypto & Blockchain Enthusiasts
Those who want to use WLD tokens or explore DeFi and other dApps
- ✓Rewards Seekers
WLD can be exchanged for Amazon gift cards and more. Regular distributions add up over time
- ✓Early Adopters
Those interested in the new concept of proof of humanity in the AI era
- ✓Privacy-Conscious Users Seeking Credibility
Those who want to prove they're real while staying anonymous
4. Can Wait and See
- −Those with Strong Concerns About Biometrics
If technical explanations don't ease your concerns, there's no need to force registration
- −Light Internet Users
You may rarely need proof of humanity and might not see much benefit
5. Comparison with Other Auth Methods
| Item | World ID (Orb) | ID Documents | Social Auth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anonymity | ◎ High | ✗ Low | △ Medium |
| One ID per Person | ◎ Complete | ○ High | ✗ Low |
| Convenience | △ Visit Orb | △ Submit docs | ◎ Instant |
| Forgery Risk | ◎ Near zero | △ Possible | ✗ Multiple OK |
| Adoption | △ Growing | ◎ Widespread | ◎ Widespread |
6. Conclusion
World ID is a system that provides the new value of "proof of humanity" in the AI era.
For content creators and Web3 enthusiasts, there are significant benefits to getting verified early. The ability to demonstrate credibility while maintaining anonymity is a major advantage over other auth methods.
On the other hand, those with strong concerns about biometrics or no immediate use case can wait until more services support World ID.
Ultimately, understand the privacy mechanisms, then weigh the pros and cons for your situation.
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