Can playing games like Wordle boost your brain?
Wordle took the world by back storm after going viral in 2021.
The web-based word game’s premise is simple: each day a new five-letter Wordle is posted, and players get six attempts to guess what it is by entering letters into a grid (the grid tiles change colour to indicate whether or not the letter is in the word, and if it’s in the right place).
Millions of players are still daily devotees to this natty brainteaser. But is it just addictive entertainment? Or could playing the game daily actually offer some deeper benefits?
Bite-size brain boost
Like other puzzles, Wordle is built around problem-solving – so is essentially a mini workout for the brain.
Dr Emer MacSweeney, CEO and consultant neuroradiologist at Re:Cognition Health, says: “Keeping the brain and mind active is hugely important for all stages of life, maintaining cognitive function, promoting mental agility and supporting overall wellbeing.
“There are many cognitive benefits of playing Wordle. Regular play can enhance brain function by stimulating critical thinking, problem-solving skills and memory retention.” Language and learning
“It can also help expand the vocabulary, as new words are encountered and learnt with each session, supporting linguistic growth,” says MacSweeney. “The game also promotes language skills and comprehension, reinforcing spelling and grammar rules.” Improved focus
Many people feel their concentration span has weakened with the rise of modern technology, endless scrolling and the constant flow of fast information. So even if it’s just sitting down to play for a few minutes a day, MacSweeney says: “Wordle helps improve focus and concentration, as players decipher the word while managing limited attempts”. Mental health
Dr Sandi Mann, senior psychology lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire believes sequence games like Wordle also have many mental health benefits.
“Like any activity that requires us to focus our attention, Wordle can help us to achieve ‘psychological flow’. This is a state of mind in which we are completely engaged in an activity,” says Mann.
“Alongside offering fun and friendly competition with friends and family, focusing our mind on trying to guess the mystery word of the day can give us valuable respite from any troubles or worries that might otherwise be preoccupying our mind.
“Having moments in our life where we can rest from our worries is crucial. Even if the relief is temporary, the impact it can have on our wellbeing should not be underestimated.”