OPTIMAL CONTROL ANALYSIS OF A FRACTIONAL-ORDER MODEL FOR ONLINE GAMING ADDICTION

This paper presents an optimal control framework for modeling online gaming addiction through a system of fractional differential equations. We apply the forward-backward sweep method with the generalized Euler scheme to compute the numerical solutions of the optimal system. We employ four distinct control strategies that operate within the control system simultaneously. Each control strategy contributes to a reduction in the level of online gaming addiction; however, the combined strategy provides more effective results than any individual control. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the optimal control strategies perform better than a non-integer framework. Our approach demonstrates improved efficacy in managing online game addiction across diverse fractional-order values. The results highlight the crucial importance of fractional calculus in modeling the complex dynamics of real-world phenomena.