2. Time Perception Anomalies: The Elasticity of Moments
One of the hallmarks of AIWS is the distortion in time perception. For someone unaffected, an hour feels like sixty minutes. But for an AIWS sufferer, this hour can either stretch interminably or shrink to what feels like mere minutes.
The roots of this distortion lie in the brain’s altered processing pathways. The neural circuits that typically help gauge time durations falter. As a result, the internal clock, which we so heavily rely on, starts to lose its accuracy.
The implications are manifold. On a practical front, tasks get misjudged. A project that typically takes an hour might be rushed through in half the time or might drag on for hours. The ripple effects on productivity and efficiency are evident.
On a personal level, these time distortions can strain relationships. An individual might lose track of time spent with loved ones, either cutting short valuable moments or overstaying their welcome. Over time, this can lead to misunderstandings and friction. (2)
