The Web3 landscape is thriving, with crypto-related products emerging daily — from decentralized apps to NFT marketplaces. Yet, in this fast-evolving space, authenticity remains a critical differentiator. As trust becomes the currency of the crypto world, being genuine isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential. Let’s explore why authenticity matters in Web3 and how projects like Guardarian are carving their path toward it.
What Is Authenticity?
Authenticity isn’t a buzzword; it’s a concept with deep roots. According to research published in The Academy of Management Annals (August 2018), authenticity can be viewed through three lenses: consistency, conformity, and connection.
- Consistency means a project aligns its actions with its stated values and beliefs—think of a blockchain that delivers on its promise of transparency.
- Conformity involves fitting into the social or technical categories users expect, like adhering to Web3 standards.
- Connection ties a project to a person, place, or time, giving it a unique identity — say, a DAO rooted in a specific community’s ethos.
Image source: Lehman, D. W., O’Connor, K., Kovács, B., & Newman, G. E. (2018). Authenticity. Academy of Management Annals, 13(1), 1–42. https://doi.org/10.5465/annals.2017.0047
These dimensions, backed by scholars like Heidegger (1962) and Newman (2019) from Table 2 below, show authenticity is about being true to oneself while resonating with others.
Why Authenticity Matters in Web3
In a market prone to scams, authenticity builds trust. Projects with clear missions, consistent delivery, and community roots stand out. As users grow savvier, inauthentic hype loses traction fast. Authentic initiatives, like those prioritizing privacy and compliance—such as Ontology with its user-first digital identity solutions or Orange Protocol building trustless reputation — foster loyalty.
Guardarian’s Journey Toward Authenticity
Guardarian, founded in 2017 and based in Estonia, is a non-custodial crypto payment platform bridging fiat and cryptocurrency worlds. It enables businesses and individuals to buy, sell, and swap over 1000 cryptocurrencies with a wide range of payment options. Here’s how it aligns with authenticity:
Image source: Lehman, D. W., O’Connor, K., Kovács, B., & Newman, G. E. (2018). Authenticity. Academy of Management Annals, 13(1), 1–42. https://doi.org/10.5465/annals.2017.0047
- Credibility: Guardarian earns trust with a 4-star Trustpilot rating, where users praise its ease of use and fast transactions. Its non-custodial model ensures funds go directly to wallets, though occasional payment delays suggest credibility is still maturing.
- Integrity: Transparent fees and a simple KYC process reflect integrity. Its focus on user control via a non-custodial approach is promising, though addressing support delays will strengthen this further.
- Symbolism: Drawing from its name to embody the role of a guardian — standing vigilant on behalf of users’ exchanges, purchases, and sales, a vision still in progress that aligns with Web3’s security ethos.
- Continuity: Launched in 2017, Guardarian has endured crypto’s volatility. Its growth to 1,000+ cryptocurrencies shows resilience, with sustained trust as the next goal.
Key Takeaways for Crypto Innovators
- Be Consistent: Align your tech and values—deliver what you promise.
- Fit the Category: Meet Web3 standards to earn trust.
- Build Connections: Root your project in a community or mission, like Guardarian’s and Ontology’s user-first approach.
- Tell Your Story: Leverage heritage and provenance to stand out.
In a sea of crypto products, authenticity isn’t just a trend—it’s the foundation of trust and longevity. Embrace it, and you’re not just building a project; you’re building a legacy. Dive deeper into these ideas with the full research.
