An embodiment delay device for use within a decentralized system of learning device delays broadcast messages to introduce a time shift into events. The delay device may receive a first message from a triggering device, generate a first pattern using at least a first event based on the received first message, determine whether the first pattern matches a known trigger pattern, wait a predetermined delay period in response to determining that the first pattern matches the known trigger pattern, and broadcast a second message in response to the predetermined delay period expiring. Delay periods may be user-configurable, such as via user inputs (e.g., dials, sliders, etc.) or learned based on messages from responding devices. The second message may be similar to the first message or a distinct message indicating the elapse of the delay period.