Short Wave The Pandemic Time Warp
May 18, 2020
Dean Buonomano, a professor of neurobiology and psychology at UCLA, dives into the fascinating ways our brains perceive time, especially during the pandemic. He explains how the brain operates with multiple 'clocks,' reshaping our understanding of time management. The conversation highlights how mundane moments can stretch time while memorable experiences zoom by. Buonomano also shares coping strategies for reestablishing a sense of normalcy, illustrating the profound effects of our changing perceptions.
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Multiple Brain Clocks
- The brain relies on multiple "clocks" for various timescales, not a single master clock.
- These clocks operate independently; some track seconds while others manage daily cycles.
Neurons and Time
- The brain tells time through patterns of neuron activity within specific circuits.
- Many brain circuits can tell time as needed, not just dedicated clock circuits.
Pandemic Time Warp
- The pandemic's monotony can create a sense of time dilation, making days feel longer (prospective time).
- Simultaneously, the lack of memorable events makes weeks or months seem to fly by in retrospect (retrospective time).