Human Perception of Altered Video Speed

Abstract This study examined how humans perceive altered video speeds, a domain yet to be systematically explored. Following modern technologies, manipulations of video speed, like slow motion or time lapse, are frequently employed tools in everyday life. However, only recent research highlights potential biases in perception and low sensitivity to altered video speed. To investigate to what extent humans are capable of correctly perceiving altered video speeds and how these video speeds affect our duration experience, participants watched short video clips either at original speed or at increased or reduced video speed. Our findings reveal systematic biases: overestimation of video playback speed during slow motion and underestimation of video speed when watching accelerated versions, intensifying with greater deviations from the original speed. Moreover, duration estimations systematically varied depending on video speed with slow-motion videos yielding shorter perceived durations than videos at original and accelerated speed. These biases carry potential implications for time perception in general as well as for applied fields like law and sports, where accurate judgment may hinge on detailed video analysis. Our findings offer a first exploratory glimpse into systematic biases in human perception of altered video speeds thereby advancing our understanding of how humans engage with this type of dynamic visual information. However, more research is needed to fully comprehend the extent, mechanisms and consequences of these perceptual biases.