Combating harmful Internet use with peer assessment and differential evolution

Harmful Internet use (HIU) is a term coined for the unintended use of the Internet. In this study, we propose a more accurate HIU measuring method based on the peer assessment and differential evolution approach. The sample data comprises a juvenile population in Poland; 267 subjects assessed 1,513 peers. In addition to classic statistical analysis, differential evolution has been employed. Results indicate that there may be a substantially higher rate of HIU than other studies have indicated. More accurate measurement of the adolescent population influx affected by HIU is needed for healthcare and welfare system planning.