Keeping it Together: I wanted to understand my newest online obsession
Have you done the Wordle for today yet? If not, you've surely seen the daily puzzle game trending on Twitter and talked about on Facebook as people across the Internet share their results online.
I personally got hooked on the game a few weeks ago, and ever since, I've converted my friends and family into Wordle fanatics too.
But, why are we so obsessed? I spoke to a psychologist to better understand my latest obsession.
Wordle isn't popular just because people find it fun; psychologically it "highlights how much we enjoy connecting with each other," explains Dr. Benjamin F. Miller, a clinical psychologist and president of the Well Being Trust foundation.
"The game itself is challenging and fun. And there's some intellectual curiosity there, but I bet few people would do it day in and day out without that social component of sharing it on social or with your friends," Miller explains.
I've definitely shared my results on social media, but even more so, I text my other Wordle-playing loved ones my results because we like to compare how we all did.
It's been a great way to spark conversation – and have a little friendly competition at the same time. Plus, when it's a challenging word, we can all commiserate together.
My other favorite part? You can only do one puzzle a day, which Miller told me helps people set healthy boundaries with our screen time.
"It's brilliant because people sometimes have a hard time placing strong boundaries," he explains. "That keeps it fresh, keeps it exciting (and) prevents us from overdoing things that could potentially have a negative effect on us."
If you haven't played Wordle, join me in enjoying it. You can check it out here.
More: Feel on edge without Facebook, Instagram? 6 signs you need to unplug
Olympic athletes are having a mental health crisis. What are we doing about it?
The Olympics are supposed to be a fun, family-friendly spectacle. But two years into the pandemic and amid a nationwide mental health crisis, the 2022 Winter Olympics have, at times, been painful to watch, my colleague Jenna Ryu reports.
Zhu Yi, the 19-year-old U.S.-born figure skater competing for China, left the rink in tears after falling twice.
Mikaela Shiffrin cried on the side of the hill after skidding out of control and recording her second "Did Not Finish" – days after an emotional taped segment aired on NBC about how she is struggling with grief after her father's unexpected death. On Tuesday, her teary reaction aired in prime time.
Experts say the Olympics in the age of COVID-19 – with strict rules regarding who can attend, and on testing and quarantining – are even more of a challenge, exacerbating the stress and anxiety of the athletes.
"There's already so much pressure for the Olympics because all eyes are on you … but it wasn't just the normal Olympics this year. There was a lot of uncertainty about whether and how they would happen," says Sian Beilock, president of Barnard College at Columbia University and a cognitive scientist who specializes in sports psychology. "We know succeeding in the public eye is great, but failing can be extremely difficult."
Beilock says we have a "one-dimensional" view of athletes.
"Athletes aren't immune to mental health issues. They face pressures just like you and me, and they've been dealing with the pandemic for the last two years just like you and me," Beilock says.
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My boyfriend moved in and totally changed. Should I walk away?
In our latest advice column, a reader wrote in: “I am 27 and have been dating my boyfriend for about six months... He recently moved in with me because the alternative was that he move to another state with family. It's super-early to be living together, and I was very, very hesitant, but I didn't want him to move even farther.
Recently, I've noticed he has a big attitude. I've talked to him about this, and he admitted he has a history with anger problems but says he's much better now. He's said he's sorry and he’s working on this, but I haven't seen much of a change. Should I walk away now or stay and work on it with him?"
Our advice columnist had a lot to say about this relationship dynamic. You can read her response here. Have thoughts? Share them with us here and we may include your advice in a future newsletter.
Today's reads
- Can spending more time in the sauna save your life? The answer may surprise you.
- Bob Saget died after brushing off a blow to the head. Could it happen to you?
- Moms are at war over COVID. Who's to blame?
- Are you in a codependent relationship? Here's how to tell.
- Black Americans' health is in crisis. What will it take for them to be well
- How soon is too soon to get married? 'Limerence' is part of the answer. Experts explain this 'chemical' stage of love.
Today's pet
Say hello again to Thelonious.
We shared a photo of this sweet boy in our newsletter back when he was just a puppy.
"He was really young and helped me working from home," writes reader Tracie Gieselman-France of Missouri. "I think he misses those days now that I’m back in the office."
Aww I bet he misses those days too, but I'm sure he loves getting cuddles when you come home!
Thanks to everyone for reading! Remember you can send pet photos, coping tips and anything else to our email.
Wishing you all the best,
Sara Moniuszko