Crosswords Bring Friends Together During Social Distancing

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Crossword puzzles are creating new ways for friends to connect in a time of social distancing. As people seek engaging activities to do from home, editors at The New Yorker are exploring the social dynamics of these word games.

The puzzles include various themes and difficulties, appealing to a broad audience. For example, a featured crossword includes clues like ‘Hats sometimes adorned with pompoms’ for seven letters, and ‘Bits of viral content’ for five letters.

Clarice Wang, an associate puzzles-and-games editor, highlights the importance of crossword puzzles in bringing people together. ‘These games provide a fun, interactive way for friends to stay in touch while apart,’ Wang said.

In addition to traditional crosswords, there are mini puzzles designed for beginners. The idea is to make puzzles accessible to everyone. The New Yorker is also featuring clues like ‘Deceive by using a false social-media profile,’ which is seven letters long.

As the popularity of crossword puzzles continues to grow, they serve as a reminder of the joy of collaboration and problem-solving, even from a distance. The trend illustrates how even simple activities can enhance social bonds during challenging times.