Are affiliate programs worth the effort for beginners?

I’ve been researching ways to make extra income online, and affiliate programs keep popping up. They sound promising, but I’m skeptical about how much work it actually takes to make it worthwhile. I’m not sure if it’s something I can realistically manage with my limited time. For those who’ve tried it, what kind of effort does it require to see results? And how do you know if a program is legit or just a waste of time? I’d love some advice before jumping in.