Wordle and other New York Times games have become a daily habit for people looking for a quick mental challenge, a break from schoolwork or a sense of accomplishment.
For some students, a morning routine includes more than coffee and begins with solving a five-letter word in six attempts.
The popularity of games such as Wordle raises a question about whether they provide cognitive benefits or simply offer an entertaining daily routine. While the game requires players to recognize patterns, recall vocabulary and narrow down possible answers, the experience can serve different purposes depending on the person playing.
Jake Katz, junior psychology and Christian studies double major, regularly plays Wordle as part of his morning routine.
“It gets my dopamine and brain going. It gets me ready to actually work instead of just being groggy in the morning,” Katz said.
Beyond giving Katz something to complete at the beginning of the day, Wordle has exposed him to unfamiliar words that he can later recognize or incorporate into writing assignments.
The game has become part of his family routine as well. Katz’s parents play Wordle, giving them a shared activity they can compare and discuss throughout the day.
Daily games can become meaningful for reasons beyond the challenge itself, especially when they create small opportunities for connection.
Will Schaap, sophomore biology major, has incorporated Wordle into his routine as well.
“I feel like it helps me get my brain working and feel more productive after, I feel like I’m learning,” Schaap said.
The feeling of being mentally engaged can make games such as Wordle seem productive, particularly when they involve vocabulary, logic and problem-solving. Feeling challenged, however, does not necessarily mean those skills carry over into broader areas of cognition.
Research on the cognitive benefits of brain games has changed over time.
Dr. Erica Roth, associate professor of psychology, reflected on how researchers’ understanding of those benefits has developed.
“I will say this: we used to think brain games improved cognitive abilities, including memory, or at the very least, delayed further impairment for certain diagnoses,” Roth said. “Unfortunately, more recent research does not bear this out.”
Wordle challenges players to think about spelling, vocabulary and word patterns, but becoming better at those specific tasks does not necessarily translate into broader improvements in memory or cognitive ability.
That does not mean the games are without value. Completing a puzzle can still provide a short mental break, create a sense of accomplishment or become a familiar part of someone’s routine.
The appeal of these games may be connected to the reward players feel when they solve a puzzle or complete a daily challenge.
Roth said dopamine could play a role in why people continue returning to games on their devices.
“I suspect there is a link between dopamine activation and playing games, especially games on one’s device. Dopamine is the pleasure neurotransmitter. It’s thought to be responsible for addictive behaviors,” Roth said.
For players like Katz and Schaap, Wordle has become more than simply guessing a word. It can mark the beginning of the day, provide a brief challenge or create something to share with other people.
Whether Wordle provides a mental challenge, a break from responsibilities or simply a satisfying routine, the game has become a small but consistent part of the day for some students. Its value may be less about making someone cognitively stronger and more about the enjoyment, connection and sense of accomplishment found in solving one puzzle at a time.