The feeling that time is passing faster is a phenomenon that deserves study. This is influenced by several factors, from the acceleration of the modern rhythm of life to changes in our own temporal perception.In addition, recent studies indicate that the Earth is spinning faster, which, although imperceptible in our daily lives, can contribute in a way to this sensation.
We have the feeling of living less than age indicates, while facing greater risks of diseases associated with old age and the modern lifestyle. To illustrate this difference, in the Middle Ages, life expectancy in European countries was about 30 to 40 years, while today, it exceeds 80 years. However, although we live longer, the feeling of time lived is less, due to the wear and tear of our body and the frantic routine that prevents us from fully enjoying each moment.
Evidence from Neuroscience
Neuroscience provides several explanations for this sense of time acceleration:
- Attention and Information Processing: Time seems to pass faster when we are busy or performing multiple tasks at once. This is because our brain is processing a large amount of information, which can reduce the perception of time intervals. Studies show that time perception is closely linked to the level of attention and the volume of information the brain needs to process (Block & Zakay, 1997). Realize that there is a non-generalized collective of problems related to attentional focus.
- Memory and Novelty: New and memorable events tend to be more detailed in our memory, creating a sense that more time has passed. On the other hand, routine and repetitive activities do not produce many distinct memories, leading to the perception that time is flying (Wittmann & Lehnhoff, 2005). In other words, in a period in which novelties are no longer so valued for the ease in obtaining them, in which routine is a common pattern in current culture, it soon reaffirms the temporal context of this study.
- Aging and Temporal Processing: As we age, the way we process time also changes. Children and young people tend to perceive time more slowly due to the large amount of new experiences. In contrast, adults tend to perceive time faster, as many experiences become routine (Friedman, 1993). This corroborates my concept of the need for the new in people with high IQ, related to the time prevention system. Time, being one of the enemies of those who need constant news due to their genetic condition, forms an intermittent cycle: genetic need, search for the new, satisfaction with the new, time for more achievements and prevention related to time, need, achievement and perception of the finitude of life.
This sense of “overpassing” in relation to the past puts us in a paradoxical position: we live longer, but we feel that we live less. Even pursuing a milder lifestyle, the acceleration of time is still present. To deal with this reality, it is essential to adopt a healthier lifestyle, slow down the pace, value the experiences and seek activities that provide us with pleasure and well-being. Only in this way can we re-signify our relationship with time and make the most of each phase of life.
Interested in the perception of time and concerned with finitude not by death itself, but by the achievements and goals to be achieved, I built an equation to literally gain a clear understanding of how long we actually live.
Equação para Percepção Temporal
Para calcular a percepção temporal levando em consideração múltiplos fatores, podemos usar a seguinte equação:
Where:
– (T_{current} ) is the real time that has passed (in years).
– (T_{perceived} ) is the time we feel has passed (in years).
(S) is the speed factor that represents the perceived speed of time relative to real time.
– (L) is the lifestyle factor (ranging from 0 to 1, where 0 is extremely fast-paced and 1 is extremely relaxed).
– (A ) is the age factor (children perceive time slower, elderly perceive time faster).
Exemplary Calculations
Scenario 1: Modern Lifestyle, Half-Age Person
– (S = 4 ) (speed factor)
– (L = 0.5 ) (modern and fast-paced lifestyle factor)
- (A = 1.2 ) (age to middle age factor)
In this scenario, 1 real year is perceived as approximately 0.42 years (about 5 months).
Scenario 2: Traditional Lifestyle, Elderly
- (S = 4 ) (speed factor)
- (L = 0.8 ) (traditional and slower lifestyle factor)
- (A = 1.5 ) (age factor for elderly)
In this scenario, 1 real year is perceived as approximately 0.21 years (about 2.5 months).
Scenario 3: Traditional Lifestyle, Child
– (S = 4 ) (speed factor)
– (L = 0.8 ) (traditional and slower lifestyle factor)
– (A = 0.8 ) (age factor for child)
In this scenario, 1 real year is perceived as approximately 0.39 years (about 4.7 months).
Photo by Tim Marshall’s na Unsplash
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.