By JUNGSUH KIM

It is all about the smartphone apps these days. The newest craze is the math game called 2048. The rules are simple: swipe to move tiles, and when two tiles with the same number touch, they merge into one. When you create a 2048 tile, you win the game.

The app’s concept is simple, but do not be fooled it can be highly addicting. The simplicity of the game is what makes it so appealing. It takes a while to get the hang of it, but once you do, you will not stop until you win. People become progressively frustrated each time they fail to create the 2048 tile, which drives them to try again. The game allows you to try to predict a strategy for success from among its endless possibilities. Although it is a challenge, it is not impossible. When you log onto Facebook, it is not uncommon to see a few friends who have achieved the sought-after 2048 tile, and posted a screenshot to both prove and show off their triumph.

The game 2048 has inspired numerous spinoffs. Many of the latest versions involve using pictures instead of numbers, which makes the game even more challenging. In this alternative, you must not only try to create different tile combinations, but must also memorize the order in which the pictures form. It is the same concept, but slightly more tricky to stimulate cognitive activity.

This app gives many people the satisfaction of being able to make it to the top. Players feel relieved and accomplished upon reaching their goal. But its major downside is the inevitable demise of your productivity. The time you spend trying to win feels like nothing until you realize it is no longer daytime. You have all been warned.