What is the effect of network congestion on user experience?

Network congestion occurs when the demand for network resources exceeds the available capacity, resulting in a range of negative impacts on user experience. Slower data rates are a direct consequence of congestion as the network struggles to manage a high volume of data traffic. This can result in buffering or delayed loading times for applications and web pages, which can frustrate users and diminish their overall satisfaction with the service.

Additionally, increased latency is another critical effect of network congestion. Latency refers to the time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination. During periods of congestion, this delay becomes more pronounced, causing noticeable lag in real-time applications such as video calls, online gaming, or streaming services. High latency can disrupt conversations, create a poor gaming experience, and reduce the overall quality of streaming media.

In summary, when network congestion occurs, both slower data rates and increased latency negatively affect user experience, making option C the correct choice in detailing these impacts.