‘Everyone is cheating on Wordle,’ study finds, lists top at-fault states
It seems as if America’s latest favorite game is not without its cheaters— and everyone is a culprit, according to a new study.
WordFinderX said since the New York Times bought Wordle in 2022, cheating is at an all-time high.
The word games reference tool said search question for "today's wordle" on Google in December registered a "0," the lowest on the scale.
But the website said by mid-February, search questions topped 100, the highest registered number on the scale. They also said the most inquiries happened between 7 and 8 a.m.
RELATED: How to play Wordle: How to win the internet's latest game obsession
The website said, according to their research, the top cities with the most cheaters are New Hampshire, Rhode Island tied with Virginia, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts and Maine.
Wordle is a free game that has been taking off across the internet. It is a daily game where the user gets six guesses to come up with the five-letter secret word of the day in as few turns as possible.
The user starts with a guess word and then there are three outcomes for each letter. If the letter is in the word and in the correct spot the square around it turns green. If the letter is in the word but in the wrong spot the square turns yellow. If the letter is not in the word the square will turn gray.
It was developed by Brooklyn software engineer Josh Wardle. It quickly took off and now millions of people play the game.
RELATED: Wordle reportedly tracking users' browser history
It may not be so surprising that users are now cheating to solve the Wordle puzzles. The NY Times has faced more criticism that it is making its Internet game, Wordle, too hard.
In February, after Wordle was acquired by the Times, users complained about some words like "ULCER," "ALOFT," and "CYNIC."
But Jordan Cohen, the newspaper’s communications director, said in an email that "no changes have been made to the gameplay itself," something the newspaper previously promised in January during news of the sale.
The study doesn’t now blame the rise in cheating on the NY Times takeover but said the numbers may reflect in the rise in the game’s popularity.
FOX 5 NY contributed to this report. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
Burgers with Buck: Brocket Pub House
Burgers with Buck turns up the heat at Brockett Pub House & Grill in Clarkston, a neighborhood gathering spot serving the community since 2006. Buck checks out a classic patty melt with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions and Thousand Island dressing before digging into the Triple Threat burger, which packs chili garlic mayo, fried pickled jalapeños and ghost pepper cheese. Along the way, he chats with co-owner John about the pub’s welcoming atmosphere, longtime staff and loyal customers.
DeKalb announces Blackhall lawsuit, South Fulton has new chief
A lawsuit over promised park improvements in DeKalb County and the appointment of a new police chief in South Fulton lead this roundup of community news.
DeKalb Blackhall lawsuit, South Fulton’s new chief
DeKalb County is suing Blackhall Real Estate Phase II LLC over park improvements it says were promised in a land exchange. South Fulton has named Chrissie C. Latimore its next police chief, with her start expected later this month.
Family of man killed in DeKalb jail to speak publicly Friday
The family of a 24-year-old man who died in the DeKalb County Jail plans to speak publicly Friday for the first time since his death.
Community briefs: Homecoming, survivor justice and DJ Ezra
A Fulton County community panel marks the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a discussion of Georgia’s Survivor Justice Act and challenges facing survivors. Meanwhile, Morris Brown College, Georgia State University and the University of Georgia celebrate homecoming with campus activities and parades. At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 13-year-old cancer patient DJ Ezra shares his love of music with a special set livestreamed throughout the hospital.
Community briefs: Homecoming, survivor justice and DJ Ezra
A discussion about justice for domestic violence survivors, homecoming celebrations across Georgia and a young cancer patient’s hospital DJ set highlight this roundup of community news.
Things to do in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | Oct. 2-4, 2026
October kicks off with plenty of ways to get out and have fun, from pie and barbecue festivals to train rides and a pool party for pups.
Friday morning weather forecast
A dry morning, with fog possible in some areas. Warm, humid conditions give way to isolated afternoon storms. Slow-moving storms could produce locally heavier rainfall.
North Georgia: Weekend plans? Saturday starts dry, but Sunday looks soggy
Saturday morning offers the best window for outdoor plans before showers and storms become more widespread in the afternoon.
Braves vs Dodgers NLDS: Watch parties, sendoffs, and tickets
Atlanta fans can purchase postseason tickets for potential National League Championship Series home games at Truist Park.