# Hyperreal Lag Simulators UmeNet Launched an Experiment That Lets Users Experience Internet Lag By Megan Facciuolo | Published 2014-05-07 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/internet-lag References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/365306/An-Oculus-Rift-Experiment-That-Simulates-Lag-In-Real-Life/) & [umenet.se](https://umenet.se/) Internet lag can be one of the most frustrating parts of online-surfing—especially when watching your favorite shows. Who wants to watch a spinning color wheel interrupt their screens every two seconds or view a slow-motion, distorted video clip? Nobody. Swedish network provider UmeNet came up with a clever experiment that sheds light on those issues. The network’s employees gave a wearable device called [Oculus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emirates-vr-experience) [Rift](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rift-rally) to four volunteers. The device let them experience Internet lag in real life. Titled ‘Living With Lag,’ the experiment features Oculus Rift feeding them a three-second lag display. They were then put in much needed real-time scenarios like dance class and cooking. Of course, they were unable to perform properly because of the lag. The results are rather frustrating to watch. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/computers) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Virtual Reality Experiences:** Using Oculus Rift to simulate Internet lag in real life can inspire the development of virtual reality experiences that highlight the impact of lag on various activities. - **Eliminating Latency:** The frustration caused by lag in online activities can drive innovation in developing technologies or solutions that minimize or eliminate latency, improving user experiences. - **Enhancing User Engagement:** Understanding the impact of lag on user engagement can lead to the creation of interactive content and platforms that optimize performance to enhance user experiences and increase engagement. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Telecommunications:** The telecommunications industry can explore innovations to improve network infrastructure and reduce latency, providing customers with a seamless online experience. - **Virtual Reality:** The virtual reality industry can leverage the insights gained from simulating lag experiences using Oculus Rift to design immersive and realistic virtual environments. - **Streaming Services:** Streaming services can invest in technology advancements to minimize buffering and enhance the quality of content delivery, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience for users. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Intentional Online Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slow-internet.md) - [Immersive Memory Loss Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lost-in-the-world.md) - [Virtual Flavor Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taste-in-virtual.md) - [Touch-Reactive VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/presence-in-bed.md) - [Wireless Virtual Reality Augmentations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unlink-vr.md) - [Fitness-Focused VR Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hemvr.md) - [Hyperconnected Townhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-of-fibre.md) - [Metaverse-Ready Bodysuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shockwave-vr.md) - [VR Cooking Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-cooking-game.md)