You know, in every person’s life there are people they look up to, value, and also love — their heroes. I have such people in my life too, and they are my father and mother. Yes, you read that right: my parents are my heroes.
You may ask how. I don’t really know myself, but whenever someone asks me, “Who are your heroes?”, they are the first people who come to my mind.
In general, everyone in my family — my grandfather, grandmother, parents, and my younger sister — are my heroes. Why? Because I take them as role models, I learn from them, and I try to act like them, but I do not repeat their mistakes (everyone who breathes makes mistakes).
You might think, “Are only your family members your heroes?” My answer is no. Because every person I am interested in, every person whose information I collect and carefully write down in my notebook — all of them are my HEROES!
Mutaliyeva Umriniso was born on 14.01.2011 and is currently studying in the 9th grade at one of the model schools in Uzbekistan. She is interested in English, Russian and mathematics, so she attends extra classes in these subjects. Umriniso is interested in volleyball, basketball and chess, as well as art. Her articles and poems have been published through Lulu.
Abstract: The Metaverse is emerging as a significant aspect of modern digital life, blending virtual experiences with real-world interactions. This study investigates whether the boundary between virtual and real life is disappearing due to the rapid adoption of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital avatars. By reviewing recent literature, case studies, and observational data, this paper explores both the benefits and risks associated with prolonged engagement in the Metaverse. Results indicate that while the Metaverse enhances communication, creativity, and accessibility, it may also lead to reduced real-life social interactions, psychological stress, and dependency on virtual environments. The study emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between virtual engagement and real-life activities and suggests strategies for promoting healthy digital habits.
Key words: Metaverse, virtual reality(VR), augmented reality(AR), digital avatars, virtual life, real-life interaction, social skills, digital addiction, mental health.
Introduction
The concept of the Metaverse represents a digital universe where users interact through avatars and immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Unlike traditional social media, the Metaverse provides a three-dimensional environment where users can socialize, work, study, play, and create in real-time. The origins of this concept trace back to early internet communities, online gaming platforms, and virtual worlds like Second Life, which laid the foundation for modern immersive experiences.
The recent surge in Metaverse development has been accelerated by major technology companies, including Meta (formerly Facebook) and Microsoft, who have invested billions into creating expansive virtual ecosystems. The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified the relevance of virtual interaction, as remote work, online education, and digital socializing became essential.
Despite these advancements, questions remain regarding the psychological, social, and behavioral effects of spending extended periods in virtual environments. Scholars and psychologists debate whether virtual engagement complements or threatens real-life experiences. This paper aims to:
1. Explore the potential benefits of the Metaverse for social interaction, creativity, and education.
2. Examine the risks associated with over-reliance on virtual experiences, including social isolation and psychological challenges.
3. Discuss strategies for integrating virtual and real-life activities to ensure balanced digital engagement.
Methods
This study employs a qualitative approach, relying primarily on literature review and observational analysis. Academic journals, reports from technology companies, and research articles on digital behavior and psychology were examined to assess the current understanding of Metaverse effects.
Key steps included:
1. Reviewing case studies of Metaverse applications in education, work, and social environments.
2. Comparing patterns of real-life interactions versus virtual engagement.
3. Identifying reported social, psychological, and behavioral outcomes associated with prolonged Metaverse use.
Data analysis focused on synthesizing findings to determine common themes, including the advantages of digital immersion and the potential risks of social detachment. The study also considered recommendations from digital psychologists and technology experts regarding safe and balanced Metaverse use.
Results
Positive Impacts of the Metaverse
1. Enhanced Communication: Users can connect with friends, family, and colleagues across vast distances, allowing for more flexible social and professional interactions.
2. Virtual Education and Remote Work: VR classrooms, online conferences, and collaborative virtual offices provide innovative ways to learn and work without geographical limitations.
3. Creativity and Entrepreneurship: Digital platforms in the Metaverse offer spaces for creative expression, virtual product sales, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Case Studies:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, VR classrooms were used by thousands of students worldwide, enabling interactive and immersive learning experiences.
Virtual job meetings and conferences replaced many in-person events, reducing travel costs and environmental impact.
Social gaming communities, such as Roblox and Fortnite, became central hubs for youth socialization.
Negative Impacts of the Metaverse
1. Reduced Real-Life Social Interaction: Prolonged engagement in virtual environments can diminish face-to-face communication skills and real-world social connections.
2. Addiction Risk: Excessive virtual engagement may result in compulsive behavior, where individuals prioritize online experiences over real-world responsibilities.
3. Psychological Effects: Studies indicate that prolonged VR use can contribute to anxiety, stress, and depression.
4. Decline in Practical Skills: Over-reliance on virtual environments may reduce problem-solving abilities and practical life skills.
Example: Adolescents spending more than six hours daily in Metaverse platforms showed lower social empathy and reported increased loneliness compared to peers engaging primarily in real-life activities.
Discussion
The Metaverse provides a dual-edged impact: while offering unprecedented opportunities for connection, creativity, and education, it simultaneously presents social and psychological challenges.
Interpretation of Results
The integration of virtual and real-life experiences can enhance human capabilities but also risks creating dependency on digital spaces. Younger generations, in particular, may prioritize virtual interactions over real-world relationships, potentially affecting emotional intelligence and social development.
Policy and Practical Implications
Digital Literacy Programs: Educators and parents should encourage responsible and balanced digital engagement.
Digital Detox: Scheduled breaks from virtual environments can improve mental health and real-life social skills.
Monitoring Engagement: Tracking time spent in Metaverse platforms can prevent excessive dependency.
Comparison with Previous Studies
The findings align with existing research indicating that VR and AR offer significant educational and professional benefits but may compromise social skills and emotional well-being if not properly managed.
Future Research Directions
Long-term psychological effects of heavy Metaverse engagement
Strategies for harmonizing virtual and real-life experiences
Potential policy frameworks for safe virtual space usage
Conclusion
The Metaverse represents a transformative frontier in digital interaction. It offers opportunities for communication, learning, and creativity that were previously unimaginable. However, the line between virtual and real life is becoming increasingly blurred, raising concerns about social skills, mental health, and over-dependence on digital experiences. Achieving balance through education, personal discipline, and responsible policy is crucial to maximize benefits while mitigating risks. The future of human interaction will likely depend on how effectively individuals and societies integrate the Metaverse with real-world experiences.
References
1. Bell, J. (2023). Virtual Worlds and Human Interaction. Tech Journal, 12(3), 45–59.
2. Meta Platforms. (2022). Metaverse Roadmap. Meta Reports.
3. Smith, R., & Lee, A. (2021). Psychological Effects of VR. Journal of Digital Psychology, 8(2), 101–118.
4. Johnson, K. (2020). Augmented Reality in Education. Education Tech Review, 5(4), 32–50.
5. Brown, T. (2022). Social Skills in Digital Environments. Social Science Quarterly, 14(1), 15–29.
6. Roberts, P., & Nguyen, L. (2021). Addiction in Virtual Worlds. Journal of Behavioral Studies, 10(3), 88–104.
7. Miller, S. (2020). Balancing Real and Virtual Life. Digital Ethics Review, 6(2), 55–70.
Zamira Moldiyeva Bahodirovna was born on May 14, 2006, in Zomin district, Jizzakh region. From 2013 to 2024, she studied at School No. 47 named after Khayrulla Akhmedov in Zomin district. During her school years, a collection of poems written together with amateur young poets was published under the title “Qaldirg‘ochlar” (“Swallows”).
Currently, she is a second-year student at the Uzbekistan State World Languages University, Faculty of English Philology. She is the founder of the “Aleksandr Faynberg Heritage” Club and a coordinator at the clubs “Qizlarjon,” “Students Union,” and “Leader Qizlar.” She is also an active member of the sports club and a player of the “Aurora” volleyball team, as well as the winner of numerous competitions.
She actively participates in projects such as “English Quest: Freshmen Edition,” “EmpowerHer: Republican Forum of Young Women Leaders,” and “Eco Marathon.” She is an official member of the “Intellectual Youth” team. She holds the certificate “Quiz Competition on World AIDS Day with Certificate 2023” along with several other international certificates. She has participated in various conferences and is the author of several articles.
Annotation: The article dissects the moral and social dimensions of responsibilities as portrayed in “O`tgan kunlar” (The Bygone Days) by Abdulla Qodiriy and Somerset Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence”. Both authors investigate the clash between duty and social accountability, yet they reflect opposite cultural viewpoint. Through a cross-cultural lens, the article analyses how individual freedom, moral imperative, and social duty intersects within diverse historical, cultural, and philosophical circumstance- early 20th century Uzbek realism and British modernism. Qodiriy`s novel demonstrate the significance of duty as ethical and cultural necessity, while novel by Maugham demonstrates it as a personal challenge against social etiquette. The comparative analysis can spotlight how literature could unveil the balance between duty and collective responsibility.
Keywords: obligation, social responsibility, personal duty, Abdulla Qodiriy`s “O`tgan kunlar’’ (The Bygone Days), Somerset Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence”, Otabek and Charles Strickland, moral imperative.
Moral duty, responsibility have been becoming central problem for centuries in world literature, philosophy, and ethics. Every society requests its members to respect and obey laws, moral norms and traditions while maintaining their individuality. Literature can demonstrate how people can keep balance between personal goals and societal responsibility. Social obligations are interpreted with atmosphere in express time and exact region. Accordingly, period and zone can reveal essence of works. In the light of common occasion, they are diverse. There are dissimilar visions towards collective responsibility in everywhere. Thereby, there are authors, who utilize different way so as to show them. In particular, Abdulla Qodiriy and Somerset Maugham conquer in history of world literature. Through their novels “O`tgan kunlar” (1926) and “The Moon and Sixpence” (1919), they investigate relevance of the individual and society with their own historical and cultural lenses. Nonetheless, both of them strive to present underlying assumption of moral and collective responsibility.
Abdulla Qodiriy`s “O`tgan kunlar” (The Bygone Days) is not only the first historical novel in Uzbek literature but also profound contemplation on moral duty and communal justice. It includes social and ethical changes occurring in Central Asia during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In fact, the story of Otabek and Kumush is not purely tale of love and tragedy. Author highlights deep reflection on the responsibilities of the individual to family, nation, and community by means of the story of Otabek and Kumush.
Conversely, Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence” explores the reverse extreme of this moral equation: the personal duty to self and art rather than to society. Charles Strickland abandons his family, profession, and ethical duty an account of his pursuit for artistic truth. In this novel, the individual tries to escape social responsibility or decline society itself is a type of moral stance.
Albeit the tension between West and East literature, both of them strive to demonstrate individual qualities in exact times. In addition, both writers unveil that universal freedom destitute of moral duty leads to spiritual loss, whereas authentic implementation emerge when human action align with virtuous function.
Literature review:
Abdulla Qodiriy`s “O`tgan kunlar’’ (The Bygone Days) and Somerset Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence’’ can facilitate to distinguish literature, traditional notion to society of West and East.
Conflict of social obligation and personal aspiration
In Maugham`s novel, personage not only repudiates social responsibility but he also disassociates himself from society: “I do not care what people think. I want to live in my own”.
Individuals and society, social duty
The individual is connected to society, who can see their life with social progress: “El-yurt tinchligi – har birimizning burchimiz’’ (Peace of our homeland is duty of each of us).
Impact of social environment
Collective circumstance has impact on human conduct. In Maugham`s novel, society could carry weight with personages` preference.
National outlook
Writings substantiate historical moment and viewpoint, culture in certain period, which can evolve national environment.
A lot of theoretical resources are analysed during studying theme. Articles and writings about duty and social responsibility in both novels are paid prime attention.
In Abdulla Qodiriy`s “O`tgan kunlar” (The Bygone Days), East culture and social duty are demonstrated with real examples.
Somerset Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence” shows conflict between social responsibility and personal ambition.
A. Khan “Comparative Literature: East and West’’ can confirm diverse and similar feature in literature of West and East about social obligation and duty.
An analysis of Ethical Dilemma in “The Moon and Sixpence” by Xinyi Yang (2022)- analyze social environment, conflict between society and individualism.
Research Methodology
In this study, an interdisciplinary methodology combines comparative literary with interpretative cultural analysis. The investigation seeks to analyze how the concept of social obligation evolves in two diverse literary and ideological environments- the Uzbek classical realism of Abdulla Qodiriy and the modern ethical contemplations of Somerset Maugham.
Research Design
The research design is relative and analytical, which could interpret how two literary system illustrate moral obligations of individuals to their society. Furthermore, it is utilized for determining connection of authors social backgrounds and their fictional representations.
Research Approach
The analysis adopts a hermeneutic and thematic approach, spotlighting the exposition of meaning within texts rather than mere illustration. Through this lens, both novels are dissected as reflection of consciousness and societal identity.
Data Analysis
Information was investigated utilizing a qualitative content analysis model supported by comparative thematic mapping. Each novel was coded for moral standards, depictions of responsibility, and portrayals of social duty. The findings were then cross- compared to demonstrate shared moral aspects and divergent worldviews.
Restrictions
The research is confined to two literature and does not take into account the full compass of either author`s oeuvre. The study concentrates on moral and social themes, eliminating linguistic and stylistic dimensions.
Analysis / Results
The comparative analysis of Somerset Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence” and Abdulla Qodiriy`s “O`tkan kunlar” (Bygone days) shows distinct yet convergent tactics to the concept of duty and responsibility to society. In both novels, the protagonists- Charles Strickland and Otabek- personify a conflict between personal perfection and general assumption. Maugham`s narrative questions the limits of social obligation when confronted by an artist`s inexorable pursuit of individuality. Strickland`s refusal of familial and collective norms reveals the fragility of moral imperative when human aspiration transforms into passion. Contrary, Qodiriy depicts Otabek as a man whose sense of social duty becomes a moral compass guiding him through the turbulent changes of early modern Uzbek civilization.
In “O`tkan kunlar”, social responsibility betrays trough loyalty, honesty, and care for one`s public. Otabek`s nature exposes that correct progress demands harmony between personal ambitions and social well-being. Meanwhile, Maugham`s Strickland explicates the opposite extreme: the annihilation of obligation in the pursuit of self- expression.
The results of the analysis represents that both authors formulate their protogonists as vehicles of ethical inquiry. Through conflicting resolutions, Maugham and Qodiriy cross-examine the connection between self and society, concluding that moral responsibility is neither merely individual nor purely communal but a dynamic interaction between two. The comparative reading also focuses on cultural differences: Maugham`s Western individualism contrasts with Qodiriy`s Eastern ethical collectivism. Nonetheless, both converge in portraying moral duty as a decisive foundation of human dignity and social harmony.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The comparison of Somerset Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence” and Abdulla Qodiriy`s “O`tkan kunlar” exposes how both writer`s balance between personal aspirations and duty to society. The findings of research demonstrate that both authors, in spite of cultural and temporal differences, engage with a universal moral question: how far should an individual`s pursuit of self- fulfillment extend before it contrasts with social duty? Maugham `s Strickland symbolizes the risk of egocentric freedom that neglects human responsibility, while Qodiriy`s Otabek denotes the harmony of moral imperative and personal belief.
The study contributes to a comprehensive grasping of how literary art can serve as a mirror displaying society`s moral dilemmas. By examining these two novels together, the article reflects that tension between individuality and duty is not confined to one culture or era but endures a recurring theme in evolution of human values.
Recommendations
1. Future comparative analysis should investigate how Eastern and Western authors interpret moral obligation and civic duty within various cultural frameworks.
2. University curricula could incorporate comparative literary ethics as a field of acquire to toughen students` understanding of collective and moral interdependence.
3. Interdisciplinary research integrating literature, sociology, and philosophy can deepen insight into moral dimensions of artistic individuality and populace principles.
References
1. Abdulla Qodiriy. “O`tkan kunlar” (Bygone days). Toshkent: Gafur Ghulam Publishing House of literature and Art 2019.
2. A. Khan. “Comparative Literature: East and West”. Oxford university Press 2016.
3. J. Brown. “Freedom and individuality in Western Literature”. Cambridge university Press 2017.
4. Somerset Maugham. “The Moon and Sixpence”. London: Heineman, 1919.
5. Xinyi Yang. “An analysis of Ethical Dilemma in “The Moon and Sixpence” 2
Literary traditions and renewal processes in Uzbek literature and world literature
Abstract: This article covers the issues of the historical development of Uzbek literature and world literature, the preservation of their literary traditions and a comparative analysis of the processes of renewal. In Uzbek literature, the role of such creators as Alisher Navoi, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, Abdulla Qodiriy in continuing traditions and at the same time introducing new ideas into literature is examined. From world literature, comparative aspects with the work of such great writers as William Shakespeare, Leo Tolstoy, and Franz Kafka are revealed. The article analyzes the harmony of literary heritage and modern creative innovations, the relationship between national literatures, and their contribution to global literary processes on a scientifically based basis. It also discusses the integration of Uzbek literature of the period of independence with world literature and the formation of the translation school.
Keywords: Uzbek literature, world literature, tradition, renewal, comparative analysis, creativity, modernism, realism, cultural integration, national heritage, literary process.
Literature is one of the oldest and most influential forms of human thought. The literature of each nation reflects its national thinking, psyche, socio-spiritual state. Therefore, the study of the interaction and connections between Uzbek literature and world literature, the analysis of their traditional and new aspects is a separate, relevant scientific topic today.
During the period of independence, Uzbek literature has reached a new stage of development. On the one hand, our classical literary heritage is being re-examined, and on the other hand, advanced experiences in world literature are being absorbed into Uzbek literature. This process is further enriched by the fact that the works of Uzbek writers are being translated into world languages, and examples of world literature are being published in Uzbek.
Classical literature: The traditions of classical Eastern literature were continued in the work of Alisher Navoi. However, he also initiated a stage of renewal with his approach based on the Turkic language.
Babur: a vivid example of the harmony of tradition and innovation in literature. His work “Boburnoma” combines historical, artistic and scientific features.
20th century literature: National realism and modernist movements were combined in the works of Abdulla Qodiriy and Cholpon.
Shakespeare: Continuing the traditions of the Renaissance, he created new dramatic forms.
Leo Tolstoy: through Russian realism, he interpreted humanity, morality and social issues in a new way.
Kafka: was the embodiment of modernism, depicting the conflicts between man and society.
Comparative analysis:
Navoiy and Shakespeare: although one reached the pinnacle of Eastern and one Western classical literature, both of them covered the problems of the human psyche and society.
Qodiriy and Tolstoy: there is a commonality in depicting the spiritual image of the nation and social problems through realism.
Cholpon and Kafka: both created in the spirit of modernism and tried to express the spiritual crisis of the time.
In conclusion, although Uzbek literature and world literature have their own traditions and renewal processes, through their comparative study, one can see many commonalities and harmonies. Uzbek literature, relying on its rich classical heritage, is also actively participating in modern global literary processes. Therefore, a deep study of literary traditions and the integration of innovations with the national spirit will remain one of the important tasks of future scientific research and creative activity.
References:
Navoiy A. Khamsa. – Tashkent: Fan, 1991.
Bobur Z.M. Baburnoma. – Tashkent: Gafur Ghulom Publishing House, 2008
Qodiriy A. Bygone Days.- Tashkent: Sharq, 1994
Cholpon A. Night and Day.- Tashkent: Literature and Art, 1992
Shakespeare U. Hamlet. – London, 1603
Tolstoy L. Anna Karenina – Moscow: Science 1978
Kafka F. Process. – Berlin, 1925
Karimov I. A. High spirituality is an invincible force. – Tashkent, 2021
Mirziyoyev. Sh.M. Strategy of the New Uzbekistan. – Tashkent, 2021.
History of Uzbek literature. 5 volumes – Tashkent: Science, 2010.
Saidov. A. Theory of Literary Studies. – Tashkent University, 2015
Choriyeva Go’zal Gayratjon qizi was born on February 17, 2007 in Kyzyryk district of Surkhandarya region. She is a 1st year student of the Denov Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy of Samarkand State University, Uzbek language and literature department and holder of a national certificate in native language literature. She is an international ambassador of the Indian state Iqra Foundation Organization (online) in three areas. An active member of the Argentine Association of Science and Literature Writers. The creative collection “Zukko izvlavi” -2025 of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan has been published.
You stole my mind while you were the girl of our house.
I don’t seek myself in myself, but in you.
The judge spoke from the middle of the book.
He said that you are the source of peace and the taste of my mouth.
Your mother named you when you were born.
I don’t seek myself in myself, but in you.
Gliding over the sea
You smile at me, beautiful one, I admire you.
You fascinate me so much that I feel you reach my heart.
I don’t seek myself in myself, but in you.
There are mountains that are vast and high.
It is the immaculate snow I have placed in my heart.
In my heart, your words are honor.
I do not seek myself in myself, but in you.
From Kemal Berk
I was born in 1955 in the Sungurlu district of Çorum province, Turkey. I attended primary, secondary, and high school in Sungurlu. I completed my university education at Ankara Gazi Education Institute. I began teaching in 1978 and retired in 2016. I am married with three children and four grandchildren. In addition to my professional life, I continued teaching Turkish folk dances, which began during my student years, and taught them to hundreds of students. We participated in festivals, opening ceremonies, and competitions, and won awards. I took special art courses, learning 3D painting techniques, and creating paintings. I took a course for the hearing impaired, learning how to communicate with people with hearing impairments. For two years, I attended special gastronomy courses and learned to prepare various meat dishes, vegetable dishes, desserts, pastries, and buns. Preparing and serving these dishes gives me peace of mind. I volunteer at AFAD, which provides aid in disasters such as fires, floods, earthquakes, and landslides.
A woman in white, Anna struts by, Anna on her way to the door of her Romeo, passing by like a swan, head high, wings held tight to her thighs. high heels barely touching concrete as if the sidewalk is a carpet in a courtyard, Vogue ascetic, eyes wheel around her, roofs shine like diamonds, likewise the towers and domes. feast for the eyes to which no one’s invited but that man on his balcony, corn-fed hair, eyes beaming sun-signals from the world’s highest point, backed by blue sky and a tarmac of flowers, Don Juan ascended, his cock-crow, the wind, his palace, wherever he finds himself smiling, and soon lovers meet, galvanized, energized, a burning love’s flashes, then the sky’s kind: lightning, drenching rain, thunder, the great roll of the rest of us.
REFUGE
When I move in with others,
I am alone.
At night, bedded among them,
I am almost with these people
but where I’ve come from,
what I’ve done,
still keeps us apart.
For all this welcoming,
their eyes ask, “Who are you?”
And their proffered understanding
comes with a caveat,
“Why are you this way?”
These days,
my only people are the stars.
Cloud cover,
no matter how beneficent,
can’t possibly bring me closer.
John Grey is an Australian poet, US resident, recently published in Shift, River And South and Flights. Latest books, “Bittersweet”, “Subject Matters” and “Between Two Fires” are available through Amazon. Work upcoming in Rush, Writer’s Block and Trampoline.
