Neuroscience and psychology explain varying perceptions of time

The perception of time often differs from the actual ticking of a clock, a phenomenon driven by various neurological and psychological factors. One theory suggests that the brain processes new experiences by recording extensive details, making novel events feel longer, whereas routine activities result in fewer memories, making time seem to compress.

Age also plays a role in how time is scaled; as a person grows older, a single year represents a smaller percentage of their total life experience. Additionally, emotional states and attention levels influence this perception. Intense focus or happiness can make time feel fleeting, while boredom, pain, or fear can make moments feel eternal.

Biological factors, including circadian rhythms and neurotransmitters like dopamine and adrenaline, further affect the internal biological clock. Neuroscientist David Eagleman notes that “time is not measured, it is remembered,” suggesting that the subjective experience of time is fundamentally tied to memory and the amount of new information the brain receives.