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May 8, 2026
4 min read

Why Daily Word Puzzles Like Wordle Are So Addictive

It’s not just the words. It’s the "Scarcity Effect." Discover the psychology of why you can’t wait for midnight.

Dr. Emily Watson

AI Summary

This psychological analysis explores the allure of "Appointment Gaming." It discusses the dopamine loop of the "Green Light" feedback. It emphasizes the "Scarcity Principle" (only one puzzle per day) which prevents burnout and builds anticipation.

AI Highlights

  • Scarcity: You can't binge-play. This keeps value high.
  • Social Proof: Seeing those yellow/green grids on Twitter triggers FOMO.
  • Routine: It becomes a morning coffee ritual.

The "One a Day" Genius

In an age of binge-watching, Wordle forces patience. This artificial limit makes the experience precious.

Dopamine on Demand

The brain loves immediate feedback. Getting a letter "Green" releases a tiny micro-dose of satisfaction.

Start Your Daily Ritual

Wordle is a trademark of The New York Times Company. This article is for educational purposes only.

Tags

psychologyaddictionwordle2026

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