Read the following excerpt from a contemporary novel:
In the heart of the metropolis, under the flickering neon lights, the subway stations buzzed with commuters. The aromas of street food intertwined with the distant sounds of laughter and argument, forming a chaotic symphony of urban life. Flickers of motion, coupled with the oppressive weight of concrete and glass, created a feeling of both excitement and anxiety, as everyday dramas unfolded against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers.
In this passage, how does the setting influence the characters' experiences and perceptions?