The NYT’s latest obsession: a mind-numbing word search game that’s sucking the life out of us
The New York Times has officially surrendered to the abyss of boredom by adding "Strands", their insipid word search game, to their Games app on iOS and Android. Because what the world really needed was another way to waste our precious time staring at a screen, searching for words that are only slightly more exciting than a phonebook.
For those who have been brainwashed into playing "Strands", this means you can now indulge in your daily dose of mindless puzzle-solving without having to switch between apps. Congratulations, you’ve just elevated your procrastination game to new heights.
But don’t worry, "Strands" is more than just a way to kill time. Oh no, it’s a "game" that requires actual skill and strategy… or so the NYT would have you believe. Each puzzle has a theme, which is just a fancy way of saying "a bunch of words that are somehow related to each other". And if you get stuck, don’t worry, you can always use the "hints" feature, which is just a nice way of saying "cheat".
And the stats are in: "Strands" is currently the NYT’s third most searched game, behind "Wordle" and "Connections", and is "nearly as popular" as "Spelling Bee". Because what’s more exciting than searching for words in a grid? And the best part? Most people are actually finishing their "Strands" puzzles, with a whopping 83% of players finding the "Spangram" each day. Because who doesn’t love a good Spangram?
So, if you’re looking for a way to waste your time and brain cells, look no further than "Strands". It’s the perfect addition to your daily routine, right next to your morning coffee and existential crisis.



