According to the Turkish Language Association, the word hız means “speed.” Adding the suffix -lı to the word allows it to be used as a descriptor. Similarly, the term yaşam refers to the process between birth and death. When these two concepts are combined, the phrase “fast life” signifies experiencing the span of life from birth to death in a rapid manner.
At this point, several questions arise: What does this speed represent? How does it affect individuals? Where can it be positioned sociologically and psychologically? And most importantly, how do individuals perceive this state while flowing through the moment they inhabit?
How was time perception in the past, how is it now, and what changes has this transformation brought to individuals and society?
DEVELOPMENT
Time perception has undergone many transformations throughout history. For example, in agrarian societies, time was more cyclical; it was understood through seasons and the movements of the sun and moon. Synchronizing with natural cycles shaped the rhythm of social life.
With the Industrial Revolution, time became linear and measurable; factory shifts, hours, and minutes gained importance. In the modern era, a concept of “mechanical time” emerged, prioritizing punctuality and efficiency in people’s lives.
Today, with digitalization, time has acquired an “instant” and “rapidly consumable” dimension. Social media feeds, short videos, and instant communication tools encourage individuals to seek “something new, right now,” instead of being fully “here and now.” As a result, humans in modern society live with a constant anxiety of “falling behind time.”
Although the linear concept of time (punctuality, efficiency, measurability) developed during the Industrial Revolution still prevails, it has now fragmented into numerous pieces. This fragmentation generates a feeling of “never being able to keep up” in individuals.
German sociologist Hartmut Rosa identifies three main types of acceleration in modern society: technological acceleration, the acceleration of social change, and the acceleration of life pace. Examining the concept of “social change acceleration,” we can see that since the Industrial Revolution, increased efficiency, rapid transformation, and constant change have dramatically sped up the rhythm of social life (Rosa, 2013).
This acceleration is not solely fueled by external technological developments but also by internal pressures stemming from individual expectations, cultural norms, and the ubiquity of communication tools. Despite advancements in communication, face-to-face interactions in the real world are declining. This shift replaces deep social bonds with shallow, instrumental relationships, weakening feelings of solidarity and belonging. Fast and brief forms of digital communication transform the quality of social connections: while they enable individuals to reach more people simultaneously, they paradoxically leave them feeling lonelier.
On an individual level, accelerated time experiences bring psychological challenges such as stress, distraction, burnout, and anxiety. The constant feeling of “catching up” diminishes satisfaction in both personal and professional life, weakening one’s ability to remain “present.” This affects not only daily habits but also one’s self-perception and overall life satisfaction.
In this environment, where speed has become the norm, the need for individuals and societies to develop alternative rhythms is increasing. The “slow city” (Cittaslow) movement, “digital detox” practices, mindfulness, and other awareness-based approaches emerge as strategies to create balance and breathing space in a world dominated by speed. Such initiatives support mental health on an individual level while pointing toward a more sustainable pace of life at a societal level.
Thus, a fast life is not merely a personal choice but a product of modern society. It influences a wide range of areas, from daily practices to social relationships, from consumption patterns to emotional and cognitive processes. In this age where speed permeates every layer of existence, strategies for slowing down and fostering awareness are not just alternatives—they are existential necessities. In the conclusion, we will discuss how these strategies can be shaped on both individual and societal levels, emphasizing the need to rethink humanity’s relationship with time.
CONCLUSION
The acceleration of time in modern society is not solely a result of technological advances but rather a complex phenomenon arising from an interconnected cycle of production, consumption, communication, and cultural expectations. As discussed in this article, the concept of fast life transforms individual experiences on both sociological and psychological levels, influencing everything from daily routines to the quality of social relationships.
The linear and measurable understanding of time that emerged after the Industrial Revolution has evolved in the digital age into a fragmented and instant perception of time. This shift has weakened individuals’ ability to remain “here and now,” replacing it with a constant anxiety of “catching up” or “falling behind.” This has led to psychological issues such as stress, distraction, and burnout on an individual level, while fostering superficial relationships and reducing the sense of belonging on a societal level.
However, in this era where speed is the norm, “slowing down” and “mindfulness” strategies have become not only tools for personal development but also cornerstones of public health and sustainable living. Approaches such as the “slow city” movement, mindfulness practices, and digital detox programs help individuals balance their life rhythms while fostering healthier time perception and stronger social ties at a societal scale.
In conclusion, although a fast life is an inevitable reality of modern society, it is possible to consciously develop strategies to mitigate its negative effects at both individual and societal levels. Rethinking time not merely as a measurable and consumable resource but also as a domain of meaning, belonging, and depth will strengthen both individuals’ psychological well-being and society’s capacity for solidarity and sustainability.
REFERENCES
Rosa, Hartmut. Social Acceleration: A New Theory of Modernity. Columbia University Press, 2013.
Başgol, H., Ayhan Uğur. “Time Perception: A Review on Psychological, Computational, and Robotic Models.” VisionLab, Boğaziçi University, 2022.
An Investigation of the Role of Emotion on Time Perception. Istanbul University Psychological Studies Journal.
Karaaslan, Aslan & Amado, Sonia. “Zaman Algısında Duygunun Rolünün İncelenmesi.” Psikoloji Çalışmaları, 2021, Vol. 41, No. 3, pp. 855-897.