The reference to an "extra second" may be related to the occasional practice known as a leap second. A leap second is occasionally inserted or sometimes removed to align our civil timekeeping, based on International Atomic Time (TAI), with the rotation of the Earth, which slightly slows down over time relative to atomic clocks.

While the actual impact might seem small to individuals, maintaining accurate synchronization is crucial for telecommunications, satellite navigation, financial transactions, scientific observatories, and activities or technologies dependent on precise timing and measurement.

During those instances where a leap second is added, individuals do not typically experience any tangible changes from its addition or removal in their perception of daily life. It serves primarily as a corrective measure at international scales.