Wordle is Fun?

Image Courtesy: New York Times

Which vowel am I forgetting? How is there no “-s” in this word? Why can’t I think of any freaking five-letter words? And why the heck did someone just spoil it for me on Yik Yak? Still, why is there no better way to start the morning than with a fresh round of Wordle? Is everyone enamored with Wordle like I am? Is Words with Friends mad right now? Why do I hope that they are? Most importantly, what is Wordle like for you?

What does “appeal” even mean? Why are there 10 different definitions on Merriam-Webster for it? (And why did I just waste my time counting those?) Did I hope to prove something to you? Do I want you to know that something “appealing” can all too soon become something addicting? How does addiction even work? Why does no one seem to know? And why is Wordle the perfect model for it? 

Image Courtesy: Instagram

If you’re enamored, why? How will I bring this question up in conversation? Should I just ask? When I ask, why does everyone tell me they don’t really know? Does the addiction stem from its entertainment value? Its one-word-each-day shtick? Or does a compulsion to play rise from somewhere deeper? Do you feel the need to prove to yourself that you can solve the Wordle each day? How’s your streak doing? And are you discouraged when you can’t? How does Wordle intimidate so well while still remaining so fun? Is it all in my head? In yours? And if you don’t play Wordle, are you onto something? Do you live blissful mornings without the daily five-letter word? Did you outsmart The New York Times, who bought the game for almost $1 million just so you could play it? 

Why did The New York Times buy Wordle, anyway? Does it provide the “optimal level of reward” like Harvard’s psycholinguist Dr. Steven Pinker says it does? Is there any proof that Wordle is addictive? Why am I looking up Wordle’s effects on the brain? Should I tell you that there’s evidence of dopamine release upon playing, win or lose? So, wait, are we actually addicted? Scientifically, concretely addicted?  Should I be scared of Wordle or remain complacent with the satisfaction it brings? Oh, shoot, should I just go play now?

Strike Out,

Writer: Maddie Arruebarrena

Editors: Kimani Krienke, Will Kennedy, Mary Clare Cameron

Writing Director: David Kramer

Blog Director: Helenna Xu

Notre Dame