Time Dilation FAQ
Time dilation is the result of time passing differently for observers in different states of motion. In the context of general relativity, it occurs when an object is in a strong gravitational field or is moving at a significant fraction of the speed of light.
Time dilation is not just a theory, it's a real thing that's been observed in the universe. For example, atomic clocks in the vicinity of a black hole would experience time passing more slowly than atomic clocks on Earth due to the strong gravity of the black hole.
We're not saying you can just go around dilating time willy-nilly. No, no. Time dilation requires a lot of energy, usually in the form of high-speed travel or extreme gravitational fields. You can't just go "Oh, I'll just dilate my time for a bit, thanks."