Hey folks, if you've been keeping tabs on the wild world of crypto, you've probably heard the buzz around Worldcoin and its native token $WLD. But what if I told you that this project isn't just another blockchain experiment—it's potentially crafting the next big "crypto cult" right after Bitcoin? That's the bold claim from crypto enthusiast Hitesh.eth (@hmalviya9) in a recent X post that's got the community talking.

As someone who's spent years diving deep into blockchain trends—from my days editing at CoinDesk to now curating

- The image URL for the article cover is https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G0ZRBpPWgAApsv4.jpg, showing people with Worldcoin orbs.
insights at Meme Insider—I couldn't resist breaking this down. Worldcoin, backed by the minds behind OpenAI, is all about verifying human identity in an AI-dominated future through iris scanning. It's like giving everyone a "digital skin" that's uniquely tied to their physical self. Sounds futuristic? Absolutely. But Hitesh.eth sees it evolving into something almost religious, especially with its universal basic income (UBI) model powered by $WLD tokens.

Let's unpack this step by step, keeping it straightforward for anyone new to the space.

The UBI Hook: Free Tokens for Your Iris

At the heart of Worldcoin's appeal is its signup bonus. When you scan your iris using their shiny Orb devices (those metallic spheres you might've seen popping up in viral videos), you get a chunk of $WLD tokens as a reward. Right now, that's about 40-60 WLD per new user, with 1/3 claimed upfront and the rest vesting over 12 months. Back when Worldcoin launched, it was a generous 150 WLD—talk about inflation in reverse!

But here's the kicker: As more people join, that reward pool shrinks. It's like a "halving-lite" mechanic, similar to Bitcoin's supply cuts, but driven by user growth rather than fixed schedules. With over 12 million users already onboard—mostly from Africa, where economic incentives hit hard—the network is expanding fast. Hitesh.eth points out that if $WLD's price moons, FOMO (fear of missing out) could drive even more signups. Why? Late joiners get fewer tokens, so why not get in early and cash in?

This isn't just charity; it's a clever way to bootstrap adoption. Imagine a world where proving you're human (not a bot) unlocks real financial perks. In the age of AI deepfakes and chatbots, that's gold for blockchain practitioners looking to build trustless systems.

Tokenomics and Market Maker Magic

On the trading front, $WLD isn't immune to the usual crypto drama. Hitesh.eth shouts out the market makers (MMs)—those big players who provide liquidity and often steer price action. They recently nailed it with the announcement of Decentralized Autonomous Trusts (DATs), pumping the price just in time. The narrative? Launching DATs is the hot ticket for altcoins right now, and MMs are all over it.

If prices rise, it creates a virtuous cycle: More users join for the bonus, the network grows, media hype builds, and traders pile in. Plus, that OpenAI connection? It's memetic rocket fuel. Sam Altman's involvement adds a layer of credibility (and intrigue) that could turn $WLD into a viral sensation, much like how Dogecoin rode memes to the moon.

Of course, it's not all smooth sailing. Privacy concerns around iris data are huge—some call it a "mark of the beast" system. And with regulations looming, can Worldcoin scale globally without hitting roadblocks? Hitesh.eth doesn't shy away from the risks, ending with a classic disclaimer: He's not holding $WLD and isn't advising anyone to buy. Smart move in this volatile space.

Why This Matters for Meme Token Fans and Blockchain Pros

At Meme Insider, we love stories where utility meets virality. Worldcoin blurs the line between serious tech and cult-like following, much like how meme tokens explode on hype. If $WLD hits that tipping point, it could redefine UBI in crypto, especially in emerging markets. For developers and investors, it's a case study in biometric identity on blockchain—think zero-knowledge proofs ensuring privacy while verifying uniqueness.

Whether you buy into the "religion" angle or not, Worldcoin's trajectory is worth watching. With AI reshaping everything, projects like this could be the bridge to a more equitable digital economy. What do you think—cult or catalyst? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more breakdowns on the latest in meme tokens and blockchain innovation.

Originally inspired by Hitesh.eth's X thread. All views are for informational purposes only—not financial advice.