Illusion speeds up or slows down depending on whether you hide the sides or centre of the video

‘You can change time!’ Mind-boggling video illusion speeds up or slows down simply by blocking the sides or centre of the footage with a finger

  • The mind-boggling trick was shared on TikTok and Instagram by Dr Karan Rajan 
  • Dr Karan is a NHS surgical doctor and lecturer at the University of Sunderland
  • Captioned ‘You can change time’, the footage shows a grey spinning corridor 


An optical illusion has amazed social media users after ‘speeding up or slowing down’ depending on whether you hide just the sides or centre of the video.

The mind-boggling trick was shared on TikTok and Instagram by Dr Karan Rajan, who is a NHS surgical doctor and lecturer at the University of Sunderland.

Captioned ‘You can change time’, the footage shows a grey spinning corridor moving at one speed.

However, the doctor explained that if you cover both sides of the video with your thumbs, everything will slow down, while if you hide just the middle, the clip will speed up. 

An optical illusion (pictured) has amazed social media users after ‘speeding up or slowing down’ depending on whether you hide just the sides or centre of the video

The mind-boggling trick was shared on TikTok and Instagram by Dr Karan Rajan (pictured), who is a NHS surgical doctor and lecturer at the University of Sunderland

The mind-boggling trick was shared on TikTok and Instagram by Dr Karan Rajan (pictured), who is a NHS surgical doctor and lecturer at the University of Sunderland

Opening the clip, he said: ‘Your life is still a lie. Cover both sides of the video with your thumbs and everything slows down. Cover the middle and you speed up.

‘This happens because when you block the centre and only see the sides, your eyes are subject to more rapid eye movements known as nystagmus which gives the perception of acceleration just like staring out of a moving car.

‘But removing the peripheral images tricks your brain into thinking it’s moving slower,’ he added.

Captioned 'You can change time', the footage shows a grey spinning corridor (pictured left) moving at one speed

However, the doctor explained that if you cover both sides of the video with your thumbs, everything will slow down, while if you hide just the middle, the clip will speed up

Captioned ‘You can change time’, the footage shows a grey spinning corridor (pictured left) moving at one speed

Writing on Instagram, he said: ‘Pro tip: you can use this to stop motion sickness – if in a car, look straight ahead instead of looking out of the side windows!’

Social media users were amazed by the optical illusion, with one writing: ‘OK that’s insane… mind blown.’ 

‘My minddd… Where is my minddd,’ another impressed viewer joked.

Reaction: Social media users were amazed by the optical illusion, with one writing: 'OK that’s insane… mind blown.'

Reaction: Social media users were amazed by the optical illusion, with one writing: ‘OK that’s insane… mind blown.’

WHAT IS NYSTAGMUS?

Nystagmus, or ‘dancing eyes’ is a repetitive and involuntary movement of the eyes. 

The condition tends to strike in childhood and makes it difficult to see moving objects or perform everyday activities.

For some, the constant motion of the eyes is so debilitating that they are considered to be legally blind. 

The condition might be caused by a developmental problem of the eye or brain, or the pathway between the two. 

It is estimated to affect around one in 400 people, according to figures.

Source: Great Ormond Street Hospital