Wordle is a small word-based puzzle game created by Josh Wardle for his wife in October 2021 and it became very popular in late December.

“I think people kind of appreciate that there’s this thing online that’s just fun, it’s not trying to do anything shady with your data or your eyeballs. It’s just a game that’s fun,” Wardle told the New York Times. 

After Wardle added a feature that allowed you to share your results with others in the form of emojis, the game exploded in popularity on Twitter. The most common way that people start playing Wordle is through word of mouth. Many people fell in love with the game’s simplicity and design. 

“I saw it on some students’ phones [and when] I checked it out, I saw how fun and easy it was and then tried it and it was pretty addicting,” said Andrew Slama, a science teacher at Manitou Springs High School. “I’ll even wake up and do it at two in the morning and then go back to sleep.”

The enjoyment people get from Wordle can go beyond the game itself. “It’s really fun. It stimulates my brain in the mornings when I’m just waking up. I can feel better than other people. I can feel better than my mom,” said Kai Jacobson (10).

“I like that there’s kind of some luck involved and some skill, and also you can talk about how to strategize.” Said Slama. “I think it’s amazing. It’s such a simple game, but it hasn’t ever been thought up before.”

The rise in popularity might have something to do with current events as well.“There’s so many stressful things going on in the country, in the world, [and after the pandemic, so] it’s nice that everyone can agree on something fun and light-hearted,” said Slama.

Wordle provides a way for people to relax and connect with others. “Everyone’s kind of checking in on each other,” said Slama. “If they did the puzzle today, or [if] friends or loved ones want a hint, or they want to try it on their own. Everyone checks in on each other a little bit.”

Wordle was built out of a desire for connection and fun, and became popular because that is something we all need. “It doesn’t ask a lot out of you, it’s just fun. How many things are just simply fun these days?” said Slama.