MAN EXPLAINS BIZARRE THEORY WHY TIME FEELS LIKE IT’S GONE BY SO FAST SINCE 2020

Have you noticed how quickly the past few years seem to have flown by? You’re not alone. Since 2020, many of us have experienced the sensation that time is moving faster than ever, leaving us wondering where all those months went. This phenomenon has intrigued scientists and psychologists alike, who point to shifts in our perception of time, life routines, and even societal changes brought on by the pandemic as possible explanations.

In a theory that has gained attention on social media, Thomas Mulligan, a self-proclaimed time enthusiast, suggests that our age and life experiences may actually be altering how we perceive the passage of time. Dubbed the “time perception theory,” Mulligan’s idea delves into how, as we grow older, each passing year feels shorter because it becomes a smaller part of our life story. But that’s just one part of the picture—time perception is also influenced by other psychological factors, the familiarity of our routines, and, more recently, the impact of digital life since 2020. Let’s dive deeper into what’s shaping our sense of time and explore ways we might reclaim those fleeting moments.

Why Time Feels Like It’s Flying Since 2020: Unpacking the Theory

Have you noticed how quickly the past few years seem to have flown by? You’re not alone. Since 2020, many of us have experienced the sensation that time is moving faster than ever, leaving us wondering where all those months went. This phenomenon has intrigued scientists and psychologists alike, who point to shifts in our perception of time, life routines, and even societal changes brought on by the pandemic as possible explanations.

In a theory that has gained attention on social media, Thomas Mulligan, a self-proclaimed time enthusiast, suggests that our age and life experiences may actually be altering how we perceive the passage of time. Dubbed the “time perception theory,” Mulligan’s idea delves into how, as we grow older, each passing year feels shorter because it becomes a smaller part of our life story. But that’s just one part of the picture—time perception is also influenced by other psychological factors, the familiarity of our routines, and, more recently, the impact of digital life since 2020. Let’s dive deeper into what’s shaping our sense of time and explore ways we might reclaim those fleeting moments.

The Theory Behind Our Changing Perception of Time

Thomas Mulligan’s “time perception theory” brings a fascinating perspective to how we experience the passage of years. According to this idea, our perception of time is significantly influenced by age. When we’re young, each year feels like an eternity, making childhood memories seem rich and expansive. This is because, as a child, one year comprises a large portion of your life. For example, when you turn one year old, that first year represents your entire life—100% of it. By your second birthday, each year accounts for 50% of your life. By age 20, each year makes up only about 5% of your existence, so time naturally seems to speed up as we grow older.

This perception aligns with a broader psychological principle where our experience of time is shaped by the proportion of life each year occupies. The older we get, the smaller this proportion becomes, and thus, each year feels shorter. With each milestone birthday, our mental clocks appear to tick faster, as our concept of a “year” becomes an increasingly tiny part of our lifespan. This helps explain why our childhoods seem so vivid and full of detail while adult life can feel like it’s slipping by in a blur.

Reflecting on this theory offers us insight into why people often reminisce about their younger years with a sense of longing. Those early years, full of fresh experiences and relative innocence, feel vast and sprawling in comparison to the fast-paced nature of adulthood. Understanding this can bring some peace, as it allows us to make sense of why time seems to escape us as we grow. This is only one piece of the puzzle, however; many other factors add to the complex way we perceive time.

The Power of Routine vs. Novel Experiences

Another major factor that influences our sense of time is the balance between routine and new experiences. Neuroscientists, like Santosh Kesari, emphasize that when we engage in repetitive, familiar activities, our brains tend to process less information. Fewer “mental snapshots” are created, making time seem like it’s rushing past. This explains why familiar routines, such as daily commutes or regular workdays, often blur together in our memories. In contrast, when we encounter new experiences, our brains work harder to absorb the unfamiliar details, slowing down our perception of time.

Kesari’s perspective sheds light on how new experiences keep our minds active, enhancing our sense of time’s richness. For children, who encounter new experiences almost daily, time seems to stretch out, filled with memorable moments. This effect also applies to adults: when we break out of our routines by learning a new skill, traveling, or trying a different activity, we can experience a similar “time expansion.” Introducing variety into our lives helps prevent the sensation that weeks, months, and even years are slipping by unnoticed.

It’s no coincidence that people who maintain diverse interests and pursue different activities often feel like life is full of color and depth. Each novelty-infused experience not only adds richness to our lives but also allows us to break free from the time-shortening effects of routine. By making intentional choices to include more variety in our lives, we can slow down our perception of time, savoring more moments that make life feel both exciting and expansive.

2020’s Unique Impact on Time Perception

The year 2020 marked an unprecedented shift in daily life for billions, and with it came a notable alteration in how we perceive time. As lockdowns became widespread, traditional routines were disrupted, replaced by remote work, limited social interactions, and virtual gatherings. Many describe 2020 and 2021 as a time when the days blended into one another, creating a “time warp” effect. Without the usual milestones and markers of time, life felt like it was suspended, causing many to lose their sense of time entirely.

Mulligan’s theory ties into this by suggesting a “lockdown age,” a period during which many people were unable to engage in typical social or physical interactions, increasing immersion in digital spaces. This digital immersion, combined with the repetition of indoor life, intensified the sensation that time was passing quickly. Psychologically, the fewer physical interactions and real-world changes we experience, the less our minds distinguish between different days or months, causing them to blend together and feel like they passed in a flash.

For many, the experience of 2020 and beyond has emphasized just how important human interaction and variation in routine are for a balanced perception of time. Our immersion in virtual activities during lockdown removed many of the unique experiences that typically create a sense of life’s rhythm and pacing. Reflecting on this unusual period, it’s clear that returning to diverse routines and physical social connections can help restore a more grounded, deliberate sense of time.

Novelty as a Key to “Expanding” Time

Introducing novelty into our lives offers a practical way to stretch out our perception of time. Psychologists have observed that when we immerse ourselves in new environments, activities, or skills, our brains become more engaged, and time feels fuller and slower. This phenomenon, known as the “Holiday Paradox,” captures how vacations or unique experiences feel like they pass quickly in the moment but seem much longer in hindsight. The more unique memories we create, the richer and more detailed our experience of time becomes.

This strategy isn’t limited to grand vacations or major life events; even small changes, like visiting a new restaurant, trying a new hobby, or rearranging your workspace, can stimulate your brain. Each novelty-infused activity can add a layer of detail to your day, helping you “slow down” time. Engaging in such activities regularly helps break the monotony and provides fresh mental snapshots that enrich your memory, making life feel longer and more fulfilling.

For those who feel caught in routine, adding small doses of novelty can be an eye-opening way to combat the sensation that time is slipping away. The more we break up the day-to-day with fresh experiences, the more diverse our memories become, adding a rich texture to our lives. By deliberately seeking new activities or environments, we not only bring vibrancy to our days but also cultivate a fuller and more balanced perception of time’s passage.

Mindfulness and the Art of Being Present

Mindfulness—living with awareness in the present moment—emerges as another powerful tool to reshape our perception of time. By focusing on small details and actively engaging with our surroundings, we can transform mundane moments into memorable experiences. Whether it’s savoring the taste of a meal, feeling the warmth of the sun on your face, or paying attention to your breathing, mindfulness enriches your experience of time.

Psychologist Patricia Costello explains that being present allows us to live through our senses rather than our thoughts, creating a “time-expanding” effect. When we slow down to notice these sensory details, we create a more layered and complex memory of each moment, making time feel fuller and less fleeting. Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as setting aside a few minutes each day to observe your surroundings or focusing on your breath. This gentle awareness helps us hold onto life’s moments, making each one feel more significant and time seem to slow down.

For those who often feel like time is passing too quickly, mindfulness provides an accessible way to bring a sense of calm and control over daily experiences. By living fully in the moment, we deepen our connection to life’s details, expanding our memory and enriching each experience. As we practice being present, we discover that time, instead of rushing past us, can become a sequence of valuable, intentional moments.

Sources:

1. Harker, J. (2024, September 17). Man explains real theory behind why time feels like it has gone so fast since 2020. LADbible. https://www.ladbible.com/community/weird/theory-time-gone-fast-since-2020-712199-20240917
2. Staff, S. (2019, May 6). Time going too fast? A psychologist explains what you can do to slow it down : ScienceAlert. ScienceAlert. https://www.sciencealert.com/psychology-holds-clues-to-slowing-down-time-when-it-feels-like-it-s-racing-away
3. Boost your memory with these neuroscience-backed tips. (2018, November 26). [Video]. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/why-our-sense-time-speeds-we-age-how-slow-it-ncna936351