Essay from Zarina O’rinboyeva

Young Central Asian teen with a green floral dress and long dark hair holding up two certificates.

The Girl Who Learned from Life’s Trials

There are many trials in life, but if a kind mother is by your side, all of them turn into lessons. Nishona is an eighth-grade student. Life has taught her many things. Sometimes she comes home tired from school, sometimes with a sad heart because of her friends’ betrayal. But for her, the greatest support in life is her mother and grandmother.

For Nishona, her mother is not only a mother but also a great person who replaces a father. She works tirelessly and gives her daughter love. Nishona knows for sure that in every step of her mother there is devotion, patience, and dreams. Her mother encourages her, saying that after every trial, happy moments will come. Nishona always strives forward to see a smile on her mother’s face.

The girl’s first achievement was winning third place in a national TV program. At that time, when all her family members saw her on television winning third place, tears of joy came to their eyes. Nishona felt unlucky then because she wanted to win first place and gift the main prize — a “Spark” car — to her mother. But she did not give up and continued to participate in many projects and contests, winning top places. She still has many dreams. If she works hard, she will surely achieve them. She firmly believes that with her mother’s prayers, she will reach her goals.

This story shows that those who are patient through life’s trials and work hard for their dreams will definitely achieve them. Every young person can decorate their life with beautiful dreams and honest work.

My name is Zarina Oʻrinboyeva. I was born in 2011 in Oqdaryo district, Samarkand region. In 2018, l went to school No. 43 in Oqdaryo district to begin, my education. I am currently an 8th-grade student at this school, and I am 14 years old. My favorite subjects are English, Russian, chemistry, my native language, literature and law. In my free time, l enjoy reading books and writing stories. With my knowledge and hard work l have won several high places in various Republican competitions .I still have many dreams, ahead of me, and insha’Allah l will achieve them one by one.

Essay from Sevinch Hoshimova

Young Central Asian woman with dark curly hair, a gray vest, and white collared shirt, standing in a room of large flags: British, Uzbek, US.

THE ROLE OF MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN EDUCATION: ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES

Hoshimova Sevinch Uzbek State University of World Languages Email: sevinchh081@gmail.com

Abstract In the digital era, modern information technologies (MIT) have significantly transformed the education system. This paper explores the theoretical foundations of integrating MIT into education, analyzing its advantages and challenges. The study reviews existing literature and highlights key aspects such as interactive learning, global access to education, and innovative teaching methods. While MIT enhances student engagement and facilitates global collaboration, it also presents challenges such as reduced face-to-face interaction, information overload, and digital dependence. The paper concludes with recommendations for optimizing the use of MIT in education.

Keywords

Modern information technologies, interactive learning, e-learning, digital transformation, education quality.

The rapid development of modern information technologies (MIT) has profoundly influenced various sectors, including education. Digital tools, such as e-learning platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual classrooms, have reshaped traditional learning methods. The implementation of these technologies in higher education aims to improve accessibility, engagement, and efficiency in the learning process. However, the increasing reliance on MIT also raises concerns regarding digital literacy, student motivation, and potential drawbacks such as screen dependency and misinformation. This paper provides a theoretical analysis of MIT’s role in education, evaluating both its benefits and challenges.

1. Theoretical Foundations of Modern Information Technologies in Education MIT encompasses various tools, including online learning platforms, multimedia content, and AI-based educational assistants. The integration of these technologies is grounded in several educational theories: Constructivist Learning Theory According to Vygotsky’s constructivist theory, learning is most effective when students actively construct knowledge through interaction. MIT facilitates this through interactive simulations, gamification, and real-time collaboration tools.

Connectivism Siemens introduced the connectivist learning model, which emphasizes the role of technology in knowledge acquisition. This theory suggests that learning occurs through networks, digital interactions, and global collaboration, making MIT an essential component of modern education. 

Cognitive Load Theory Sweller’s cognitive load theory highlights the importance of managing information processing capacity in learning. While MIT can enhance comprehension through multimedia and visualization, excessive digital content may lead to cognitive overload.2. Advantages of Modern Information Technologies in Education MIT provides various benefits in education, including: Enhanced Interactivity and Engagement Digital tools, such as augmented reality (AR) and AI-driven personalized learning, make the learning process more engaging. Studies show that multimedia-based instruction improves student retention rates.

Global Access to Education MIT enables access to quality education worldwide. Platforms like Coursera and edX provide free educational resources to students in remote areas, bridging the gap between developed and developing regions. Personalized Learning Paths Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can tailor educational content based on individual student progress, making learning more effective. Efficient Assessment and Feedback Automated grading systems and real-time feedback tools help educators assess student performance more efficiently, reducing workload and improving educational quality.

3. Challenges and Limitations of Modern Information Technologies in Education Despite its advantages, MIT also presents several challenges: Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction The shift to online education may decrease personal communication between teachers and students, potentially affecting student engagement and motivation. Digital Divide and Inequality Not all students have equal access to digital resources. A lack of internet connectivity and technological infrastructure can widen educational disparities. Information Overload and Misinformation With vast amounts of online content, students may struggle to identify reliable information. Critical thinking and digital literacy skills are essential to navigate this challenge. Health Concerns and Screen Dependency Prolonged screen exposure can lead to health issues such as eye strain, mental fatigue, and decreased attention spans. Educators need to balance digital and traditional learning methods.

Conclusion Modern information technologies have revolutionized education by improving accessibility, engagement, and learning efficiency. However, their implementation also presents challenges that must be addressed through balanced digital strategies, digital literacy training, and a hybrid learning approach. Future research should focus on optimizing MIT’s role in personalized learning while minimizing its negative impacts on students’ cognitive and social development.

References 1.Selwyn, N. (2020). Education and technology: Key issues and debates. Bloomsbury Publishing.2.Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning.3.Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.4.Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem-solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science5.www.tuit.uz6. uz.wikipedia.uz

Sevinch Hoshimova Future Linguist | Project Coordinator | SMM Specialist

Sevinch Hoshimova is a motivated and creative student currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at the Uzbek State University of World Languages, majoring in English Philology. As a second-year student, she actively combines her academic studies with social, educational, and leadership initiatives. She graduated from School No. 9 in Andijan district with an honorary gold medal for her outstanding academic performance.

Throughout her school and university life, Sevinch has been deeply involved in various projects as a coordinator, demonstrating strong organizational, teamwork, and communication skills. She has successfully completed an SMM (Social Media Marketing) course and earned a professional certificate, which has helped her manage and promote educational and youth-oriented projects effectively. Currently, Sevinch serves as a Coordinator of the “Qizlarjonlar” Club at her university, where she empowers young women through education, creativity, and leadership activities.

She is also an active member of the Youth Parliament Activity Team under the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Uzbekistan, contributing to youth development programs and civic initiatives. With a deep passion for language learning, education, and youth empowerment, Sevinch strives to become a linguist and social leader who promotes reading culture, innovation, and active citizenship among young people in Uzbekistan.

Poetry from Anna Keiko

Young East Asian woman with long dark hair, a yellow shirt, and a thin necklace in front of a bookshelf.

Poems of Paris

By Anna Keiko (Shanghai, China)

On Going to Pau

By Anna Keiko (Shanghai, China)

 
I almost forgot I was in a foreign land,
Like a black bird eagerly pecking through the dawn.
The rails stretch out like a lasting hymn,
The crisp wind carries the fragrance of France.


Outside the window,
The vineyard, unwilling to be lonely,
Stirs waves of my thoughts.


When Pierre held up the sign saying “Anna Keiko,”
In that instant, I forgot the bumps and fatigue of the journey,
As if ASSAT
Had always been my home in a past life.


September 6, 2025

Written at ASSAT

NO2

The First Encounter

By Anna Keiko

Barefoot, he stands before the castle gate

As if awaiting a beloved’s return

Or like an eagle spreading its wings

To embrace her tenderly.

In an instant, two lost swallows

Arrive together at their spiritual home

The world changes its colors from then on

The sky full of stars resembles ripe grapes in the garden

Oh, my lover from a past life!

Look, the moon is conversing with us too

Its heart, untouched by seasons

Even in September, still wanders through summer’s currents

Scorching, rising, flickering uncertainly

September 6, 2025, Night

Written at Assat Castle

NO3

Assat Concert

By Anna Keiko (Shanghai, China)

How fortunate!

The annual Assat concert—

The village’s grandest event.

A band from England,

Young fellows strumming guitars,

Voices pouring out melodies sweeter than birdsong.

The audience keeps the beat,

More spirited than the moon.

Children bounce and hop before the stage—

They symbolize the future.

When you slip Foie Gras into my mouth,

Oh,my very being responds:

This rustic flavor is truly wonderful!

As I eat,I clap with all my might.

The singer,energized, steps closer —

Their teasing eyes

Like dancing stars.

In that moment, I forget the 850-kilometer journey,

Recording endlessly with my phone.

I am like a drunken pigeon

Spinning round the moon.

September 6, 2025, evening

NO4

The Autograph Book at the Arc de Triomphe

By Anna Keiko (Shanghai, China)

Unexpected?

Yes, perhaps not.

Through Tim’s radiant introduction —

An officer adorned with nine medals

Salutes a poet he has never met,

His smile like the bright Paris sky.

In the solemn ceremony,

A staff member lifts the signature book,

And presents it before me.

I read aloud the three characters: “Li Xiannian,”

Standing beneath the grand arch,

Breathless, nervous, yet joyful —

In that moment,

I was like a fish just lifted from the Seine,

Gazing into this wondrous world.

September 22, 2025

NO5

That Touch the Soul

By Anna Keiko (Shanghai, China)

I’ve searched to the ends of the earth —

No one has held an art exhibition for me,

No one has taken me to stroll in parks or shop,

No one has introduced me to their friends,

No one has invited me to lunch with their Family members

In my life,

No one has made me long to share my time,

No one has made me cross borders to meet,

No one has moved me to tears of joy.

But my dear fool, you did.

You are my confidant and kindred spirit,

You are my dearest friend, my eternity.

At the edge of the world you touch,

There spreads

A kindness and gentleness never seen before.

Written in Zurich, Switzerland

September 30, 2025, 5:04 AM

NO6

The 13th Arrondissement

By Anna Keiko (Shanghai, China)

The air carries a sweet fragrance,

The weather shifts between sun and rain.

You kiss it,

It kisses you—

Sometimes drizzles soak your clothes,

Sometimes the sun kisses through your skin.

At eight in the evening,

Sunlight slips over rooftops and wanders through treetops.

You push the window open gently, breathing in a city’s laughter,

Lounge on the sofa, sipping the richness of coffee,

Biting into chocolate, lost in its lingering spell.

You could still go out for a bite of French bread,

Sip a glass of sparkling wine,

Read the footsteps of passersby,

Or from the rustle of clothes and shuffle of shoes

Conceive a painting, a poem—

That is the deepest delight.

The 13th arrondissement is Paris in miniature:

Couples lip to lip in roadside cafés,

That purest human tenderness.

In an instant, emotions stir, as if spring has returned to the world.

Heart racing, shy, hesitant, you cry to the sky—

“Give me back my eighteen years!”

Flushed cheeks imprinted on the colorless air,

You beyond caring, they beyond noticing.

October 3, 2025, 0:50

NO7

Engraved in the Soul’s Memory

By Anna Keiko (Shanghai, China)

Every love holds its secrets

You’re inexplicably drawn to him

He is the polar light

Elusive as clouds drifting across the sky

You understand, yet struggle to break free

Your heart, your memories

Like words carved into stone—unerasable

Tangled, bewildered, helplessly ensnared

It’s neither intentional nor explicable

Yet this magnetic pull

Grips you relentlessly

November 3, 2025

NO8

Welcome to Paris.

——Tim

By Anna Keiko (Shanghai, China)

Hello!

Welcome to Paris.

Paris is magical —

Come to Paris.

So says the renowned French poet and artist Timothy Bordaneuf.

If you wish to enrich your vision, come to Paris.

If you are a lover of literature and art, come to Paris.

If you are an architectural designer, you must come to Paris.

The air of Paris carries the fragrance of spring,

Aroma fills the streets, cafés line every corner.

When tired, choose a spot and sip a coffee.

Here, passersby walk with light steps, less hurried than those in Shanghai,

Eyes lowered, speaking softly,

Their faces like an innocent September sky.

Yet Paris is also a city that stirs desire:

The art sanctuary of the Louvre,

Notre-Dame’s Esmeralda,

The Champs-Élysées of Armand and Marguerite,

And the Élysée Palace’s power reminds me of Napoleon.

These are the histories of France —

In the air, in museums, in textbooks,

Lingers the tales of Père Goriot and La Dame aux Camélias.

NO9

Impressions of Paris

By Anna Keiko (Shanghai, China)

A city —

vitality amassed through time —

cannot be fully told.

Each house holds untold stories;

only the sun shows no hidden thoughts.

Its tears and laughter hold meaning,

yet you need not understand,

just as flowers on Parisian balconies

represent nothing, like a maiden —

their mere presence paints the scenery.

If you ask what left the deepest impression,

Parisian men are true gentlemen,

Parisian women breathe with charm,

Parisian architecture gathers Europe’s varied styles,

and Paris itself —

its natural grace, its literary soul —

wanders through streets and ports.

Murals on walls

form living landscapes,

vibrant art in the now.

My friend says the art of the Louvre and Montmartre is noble,

yet street art remains a mirror of common life.

When fatigue sets in, sit down, have a coffee,

savor the ease brought by foreign culture and slow living.

NO10

Contemplation

By Anna Keiko (Shanghai, China)

How many paths must one walk to reach

that unknown polar realm?

What lies stored in the cold palace

bathed in sunlight—

flowers, or coffee,

or perhaps

a wilderness teeming with creeping insects?

06:02 November 2, 2025

Anna Keiko, a distinguished poetess and essayist from Shanghai, China, has made a profound impact on contemporary literature. A graduate of Shanghai East China University with a Bachelor’s degree in Law, she has achieved global recognition for her poetry, which has been translated into more than 30 languages and published in over 500 journals, magazines, and media outlets across 40 countries. Keiko is the founder and chief editor of the ACC Shanghai Huifeng Literature Association and serves as a Chinese representative and director of the International Cultural Foundation Ithaca. Her affiliations extend to Immagine & Poesia in Italy and the Canadian-Cuban Literary Union, reflecting her commitment to fostering cross-cultural literary exchanges.

Her poetic oeuvre spans six collections, including “Lonely in the Blood and Absurd Language”, showcasing her exploration of human emotions, environmental concerns, and existential themes. Her innovative style and evocative imagery have earned her numerous accolades, such as the 30th International Poetry Award in Italy and the World Peace Ambassador Certificate in 2024. Notably, she was the first Chinese recipient of the Cross-Cultural Exchange Medal for Significant Contribution to World Poetry, awarded in the United States in 2023. Her works, including “Octopus Bones” and other acclaimed poems, have resonated with readers worldwide, garnering invitations to prominent international poetry festivals and conferences. Her dedication to the arts extends beyond poetry, encompassing prose, essays, lyrics, and drama, underscoring her versatility as a writer. Nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2020, Anna Keiko continues to break barriers, bringing Chinese literature to the global stage.

Biography

Anna Keiko, originally named Wang Xianglian, was born in Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province, China. She is an internationally renowned poet, painter, and editor, currently residing in Shanghai. In 2016, she founded the ACC Shanghai Huifeng International Literary Society and its international online magazine, serving as President and Editor-in-Chief. Additionally, she holds the positions of China Representative for the Spanish Cultural Foundation ITHACA, partner for Italy’s “Art and Poetry” association and the US Cross-Cultural Communication Association, and Council Member of the China Youth Literature Association. As a proactive promoter of world poetry, Annakeiko received the UNESCO-certified “International Ambassador for Peace Outstanding Contribution Award”. Her poems have been translated into over 30 languages, with more than two thousand works published in over 500 newspapers and magazines across more than 60 countries globally. To date, she has published 11 personal poetry collections, one translated work, and has edited or contributed to dozens of poetry anthologies.

Anna Keiko has been frequently invited to significant international poetry festivals and has received over 30 international poetry awards, including the Italian 30th “Seppia” International Literary Gold Prize and the “Poetry Excellence Outstanding Contribution Award” from the US Cross-Cultural Association – the first time this award was given to a Chinese poet since the association’s establishment over 50 years ago. Domestically, she has received the Shanghai Citizen’s Poetry Festival Award three times and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2020. In 2022, Anna Keiko was interviewed by the renowned Chinese military poet Senior Colonel Xue Xixiang. The related content was fully reported by the US’s largest Asian news media, “Southern US News”, and published across two full pages in the overseas edition of the “People’s Daily”, generating widespread social influence. That same year, Shanghai “Xinmin Evening News” reporter Zhou Nan produced a featured interview with her. The preface poem from her collection “The Language of Deep Sleep” was broadcast on Shanghai People’s Broadcasting Station, and she was interviewed by the station’s host, Han Jiang.

In February 2025, she was interviewed by the renowned Italian poet, journalist, and translator Angely Kosta, with the article published in several countries. In September 2025, she was interviewed for the art program of Paris TOPTv. Also in 2025, her paintings were exhibited at the Paris Art Fair, Galerie La Fabrique, and several other art galleries and spaces. In August 2024, Annakeiko co-edited with Chilean international editor Luis Cruz-Villalobos “Contemporary Chinese Poetry in English – Dragon Songs”, published in Chile. The anthology features works by 30 outstanding poets from mainland China, sold globally via Amazon, promoting the globalization of Chinese poetry. That same year, the ACC Shanghai Huifeng International Literary Society she founded jointly organized the “International New Year Poetry Gathering” with the North American Poetry Association, attracting poets from 26 countries.

The ACC Shanghai Huifeng International Literary Society established by Anna Keiko has repeatedly co-organized international poetry events with the US North American Poetry Association and has successfully held numerous poetry recitation events both online and offline in China. Furthermore, the Shanghai Huifeng International Literature WeChat public account and several websites she oversees have published collections from poets in over 100 countries. She has also published a significant number of poetry critiques, essays, and dramatic works.

Poetry from Priyanka Neogi

Women will go to Play Cricket

South Asian woman in a ceremonial crown and red top and sash. She has long dark hair and stands in front of a purple curtain.

The days are coming easily, 

Women will also go. 

morning noon evening night, 

From here and there, 

band together, 

to play cricket 

no one can stop 

No one will come to knock.

Female cricketers will be born. 

In every lane. 

women can do it all 

In each chapter, 

Women will show.

Short biography: Amb. Dr. Priyanka Neogi from Coochbehar. She is an administrative Controller of United Nations PAF, librarian, CEO of Lio Messi International Property & Land Consultancy, international literacy worker, sports & peace promoter, dancer, singer, reciter, live telecaster, writer, editor, researcher, literary journalist, host, beauty queen, international coordinator of the Vijay Mission of Community Welfare Foundation of India.

Short story from Bill Tope

Feline Nirvana

I lay on my side upon the woven carpet in the living room of my two-leggers’ home in the gated community we all inhabited in the Pacific Northwest. My breast heaved and I expelled breaths stertorously. I was in pain. Felix, the alpha male of the household, regarded me uneasily. He wasn’t comfortable around the sick. He didn’t even like my kind, truth be told. I had been diagnosed with feline leukemia only weeks ago.

Marjorie, on the other hand, fawned all over me, coaxing me to take this elixir or that, rubbing my furry belly with gentle fingers or stroking my fur with the slicker brush. It did little to salve my distress, however; I knew that the end of the 7th of the 9 lives accorded all cats was at hand.

I had no regrets. I had lived with the Handlebergers for almost 14 years, since I had been reborn a kitten following the end of my 6th iteration. That life had expired after just 4 years: I was run over by a car on HY 70 outside St. Louis, MO. After the road crew had scooped my bloody carcass off the pavement and into the bed of the truck of the Highway Dept., I had gone through the “magic” of transformation once more.

But for a select few wiccans, shamans and other mystics, all two-leggers remain blithely unaware that cats do in fact enjoy nine lives, in rapid succession, before finally reaching feline nirvana. Even cats don’t know what happens after that, for no one had ever returned to spread the glad tidings–or otherwise.

In the beginning…

“Ooh, isn’t she a sweet little thing?” gushed Aubrey, my first “owner,” so-called. Aubrey wasn’t the brightest bulb in the lamp; she couldn’t tell a girl cat from a boy cat, which is what I was–and still am.

“This is a male, Honey,” said Aubrey’s father, the vet. “He gets a little older, we’ll neuter him.”

At the time, in my overweening youth and ignorance, I didn’t know what that meant. Looking back, I see that going under the knife is all for the best. I’ve had the operation each time and been the better for it. Once, I lived for almost a year before the surgery, and was very unhappy: tense, oversexed, uptight. I got into fights incessantly, and all over a little pussy. What a waste of energy. That first time I had the operation at 3 months; it was October of 1964–the St. Louis Cardinals had just won the World Series. The other neighborhood cats soon lost interest in me, as both a companion and a competitor.

Doc Fenster, Aubrey’s father, had rescued me from a litter of 7; my brothers and sisters had been consigned to death by drowning at the hands of a farm hand assigned the dastardly task. At the last moment, Aubrey, visiting the farm with her father, interceded on my behalf and I was saved. Yay!

“You’ll have to take care of him, Honey,” the Doc told Aubrey. She readily agreed. After a few months of home care and following the surgery, I became the office cat and remained at the veterinary full time. It wasn’t a bad life: fawning animal lovers, interesting companions, plenty of treats. I became very proprietary and checked out every creature, four-legged and otherwise, who crossed the threshold. Aubrey had christened me Mr. Whiskers. Yeah, very original.

Aubrey, 6-years-old, was very attentive for the first five or six years, but eventually she entered junior high school and began running with a gang of friends and then discovered boys. After that, I saw little of my personal two-legger.

“Aubrey,” inquired Doc often, “did you feed Whiskers?”

“Aw, Dad, I got cheerleader practice,” she’d say.

“Cat’s gotta eat,” said Doc.

“Can’t Rita do it?” whined Aubrey, naming the vet’s assistant who became my newest best friend.

And so it went.

When I turned eleven, I began to feel miserable. I mewled and cried and carried on until Doc ran some tests and discovered the awful truth: I had liver cancer. Since that problem was out of Doc’s purview, he had to get another vet to consult. The other doc decided that the operation, which would be expensive, probably wouldn’t work. It was decided not to do the surgery.

They thought I was oblivious to the prognosis, but not so. Cats are keenly aware of their mortality; they know when their number comes up. Doc told Aubrey the sad news and she was beside herself with grief. She stroked my fur and I nuzzled her hand, just to rub it in a little that she had been ignoring me. She lost it and sobbed bitterly. Touche! I thought.

“Isn’t there anything you can do, Dad?” she blubbered.

Doc explained that there wasn’t and that to delay my ultimate fate would make me needlessly suffer. Aubrey skipped cheerleader practice that day, which I marked as a personal triumph. After Aubrey and Rita had said their tearful goodbyes, Doc shot me up with a long needle. Already in pain, I didn’t even feel it.

“Goodbye, Mr. Whiskers,” whispered my two-leggers, as my soul arced across the universe to be born anew.

The transformation is a bit difficult to explain, inasmuch as I’m a cat and not a scientist or a poet. Deep, sweeping expanses and heady heights and star-filled skies and all the rest. In the end, you are without form and without substance and you’re in the hands of God or something and he’s stroking your fur and telling you it will be alright and not to be afraid. And you’re not. You’re confident and safe and secure. Content. Then this ethereal entity places what must be your soul in the womb of another mother cat and sometime later you are born anew. It’s really quite wonderful and magical.

Birth happens. Wet and magical and abrupt. Sometimes the mother goes crazy and begins devouring her kittens; sometimes it’s the jealous tom. If you make it through the first couple of weeks, you’re practically home free, because you’re cute and cuddly and virtually irresistable to two-leggers.

So now I found myself on the floor on the woven rug in the living room of the fancy home in the gated community, being watched closely by feckless Felix and magnificent Marjorie. I could tell that the end was near–we always know–and I further knew that just two more phases in my life were in the offing. I did a little mental arithmetic and calculated that my compartmentalized existence had spanned almost 60 years, not bad for a cat.

I looked forward to meeting God again, but dying was always a bit of a buzz kill. All I knew about the future for sure was that I would be reborn. In every previous incarnation I had been born in the West, though I knew some cats who’d done time in Egypt, Jerusalem, even China. I sighed.

“Ooh, Felix,” said Marjorie, “I think he’s in pain.”

I was.

“Should we take him to the vet and have him put down?” she asked.

Felix snorted. “$150 to euthanize and cremate? Too expensive. I’ll put a round in his skull and then bury him in the back yard.”

“How can you be so callous?” asked Marjorie?

That’s what I wanted to know.

“Huh!” said Felix. “Next time, we’ll get a dog!”

“You go to the devil,” said Marjorie venomously.

Felix withdrew.

Marjorie held me close, nuzzled me. “What can I do for you, Dreadlocks?” she asked softly.

I suppose a new name is out of the question?

Marjorie’s slender fingers kneaded the flesh on the back of my neck, just the way we cats like it, and she bent her head and gently kissed my fur. Just then, I felt the release once again, the breathless sensation of soaring at great heights over great distances. I heard Marjorie’s voice cry out and then I was back in the arms of God.

Here I go again.

Poetry from Tea Russo

The humid summer where the breeze hesitated the mosquitos buzzed so loudly, like they were arguing with each other The grass stained my fingers Highland Place as I attempted to do cartwheels in the backyard. The sun sunk deeper into the tree-covered horizon, and the moths flew to the porchlight, I hurried inside, a child scared of the bugs that flew through the thick damp air, scared of the emerging darkness of the sky.

Today I will stare out the upstairs window, the green grass and swaying flowers stare back at me look at how the moss has crawled up the neighbor’s brown driveway, how the vibrant shades of green cover our backyards and among the green, my grandfather sits in the growing garden, picking at the weeds that bite at the roots of our flowers I’ll run down to the back door, and lay in that same garden, the grass breathing beneath me a cool exhale against my skin to give me a rest from the summer’s sweltering kisses bugs weave their way between my hair strands and the train sighs and sings this afternoon with the cars driving by on the other side of the house.

This evening, I’ll sit at the dinner table while the food sizzles on the stove when it’s brought to my plate, staring at me expectantly I’ll bite my tongue as my mother tells me I can’t eat until my grandmother sits in her chair and when she does, I’ll listen to family stories from generations ago and forget them all once I asked to be excused when the sun leaves the sight of the window, I’ll walk through this neighborhood say hello to horses that stand behind fences gaze up at the stars in the clear night sky, as they don’t shine the same in San Francisco and I’ll feel a breeze for the last time for a long time. and tonight,

I’ll lay in bed With blankets up to my lips and I’ll fight against my fluttering eyelids who’d like to sleep I’d like to stay conscious, like the feeble night-light who paints the walls a darkened yellow and the crickets sing me quiet lullabies beyond the window and the passing train that harmonizes upon their melody before I finish my fight to keep my eyes open.. It is the next morning,

When I awake, sometime between 11 and 12 pm, my blankets still cover my body, yet the crickets have left me “he’s gone” sings the fan, who does not provide any breeze to me whatsoever I don’t need someone to tell me what I already know the silence provides us an endless reminder anyways, The weeping of my mother, the confusion of my grandmother, the presence of my uncle, the complaints of my father, the overgrown weeds in the backyard and the poor flowers they have bitten, all provide endless reminders anyways.

Tonight when the lights begin to dim, I fight to close my eyes the crickets who once sung me to sleep, now scream like bickering parents and I toss and turn to their never-ending song, their endless reminder an endless reminder of what I once had, the grass-stains on my fingers and pants, the horses that stood behind fences, fences now broken and resting upon the ground, the moths attached to the porchlight, my impatience as I waited for my grandmother to appear out of the kitchen, the flowers of the garden, tall and proud, the bugs that crawled upon my body, the dimness of my room at midnight, lit by the feeble night-light the song belonging to the crickets, the sight of my grandfather picking at the weeds in the growing garden, an endless reminder of what I’ve lost.

I took inspiration from Yehuda Amichai’s poem with the theme of things that have been lost, along with the inclusion of family.

Essay from Nurboboyeva Dilshoda

Young Central Asian woman with long dark hair and a white collared shirt and dark vest with white buttons .

CAUSES OF SUICIDE ATTEMPTS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE ON SOCIAL NETWORKS AND METHODS OF PREVENTION

Dilshoda Nodirovna Nurboboyeva

3rd Year Student, Psychology Department Turon University 

Abstract: Social networks have a profound influence on the mental health of young people, sometimes precipitating suicide attempts. Key causes include cyberbullying, social isolation, harmful social comparison, and exposure to suicidal content. This article explores these factors in detail and discusses effective prevention methods such as digital literacy education, mental health support integration, algorithmic content moderation, and peer support systems to mitigate risks and promote psychological resilience in adolescents

Keywords: Social networks, suicide attempts, youth mental health, cyberbullying, social isolation, social comparison, suicidal content, digital literacy, prevention methods, peer support, algorithmic moderation, emotional resilience, online harassment, adolescent psychology, mental health resources.

In recent years, the profound impact of social media on the lives of young people, as well as on their psychological health and social interactions, has been steadily increasing. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have enabled youth to express themselves, maintain connections with friends, and access information, yet they have also introduced new risk factors. Specifically, cyberbullying, social comparison, feelings of loneliness, and the spread of suicide-related content are contributing to a rise in depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts among young people. For example, studies conducted in the United States show that young individuals who experience cyberbullying are four times more likely to have suicidal thoughts and attempts (National Institutes of Health, NIH). 

At the same time, social media can also play an important role in supporting the mental health of youth. Online mental health resources, supportive peer networks, and algorithmic monitoring tools for early identification of at-risk individuals can effectively strengthen the psychological resilience of young people. 

The primary objective of this article is to thoroughly investigate the impact of social media on suicide attempts among youth and to identify the main factors involved in this process. Additionally, it aims to develop effective prevention strategies focused on limiting the spread of harmful content on social media, supporting the psychological well-being of young people, and enabling early detection of individuals at risk. 

To achieve this objective, the following tasks have been outlined: 

1. To analyze the effects of cyberbullying, feelings of loneliness, and suicide-related content on the mental health of young people on social media. 

2. To develop prevention strategies aimed at curbing the dissemination of harmful content on social media and supporting the psychological health of youth. 

3. To establish systems for early identification and assistance for individuals at risk. 

This article proposes evidence-based scientific approaches aimed at preventing suicide attempts among young people and improving their psychological well-being.

The influence of social media on adolescent psychological development represents a multifaceted and rapidly evolving domain within contemporary mental health research. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become embedded within the social fabric of youth culture, profoundly affecting identity formation, emotional regulation, and social interaction. According to Social Comparison Theory, the pervasive exposure to curated and idealized representations of peers lives intensifies self-evaluative processes, often exacerbating feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and depressive symptoms. 

This psychosocial dynamic is further complicated by phenomena such as the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), which heightens anxiety and emotional distress by perpetuating the perception of social exclusion or lesser personal fulfillment. Empirical evidence robustly links these psychological stressors to increased vulnerability to suicidal ideation and attempts among young people. For instance, research conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reveals that adolescents subjected to cyberbullying exhibit more than a fourfold increase in the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to non-victimized peers. These findings are corroborated by meta-analytical reviews indicating a significant correlation between online harassment and self-harm tendencies. 

Beyond cyberbullying, recent longitudinal studies underscore the predictive significance of digital addiction symptoms manifested through compulsive social media engagement and excessive screen time in forecasting suicidal behavior. Notably, it is not merely the quantity of screen exposure but the qualitative aspects of addictive use, such as emotional dysregulation and functional impairment, that critically elevate suicide risk. Such insights necessitate the implementation of comprehensive, evidence-based intervention strategies encompassing digital literacy education, parental mediation, platform accountability, and accessible mental health services.

 Digital literacy programs aim to enhance adolescents’ critical awareness of online content and its psychological impact, thereby fostering resilience against harmful social comparison and cyberbullying. Parental involvement is essential in establishing boundaries and supporting healthy digital habits. Concurrently, social media companies must enhance content moderation protocols to limit exposure to suicide-related and harmful material, utilizing algorithmic detection and user-reporting mechanisms. Finally, integrating mental health resources within digital environments can provide timely support for at-risk youth, potentially curtailing the progression from ideation to suicidal behavior.

Projecting into the near future, it is anticipated that these multifactorial approaches, augmented by advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning for early detection of distress signals, will substantially mitigate the deleterious effects of social media on adolescent mental health. Consequently, this synthesis of theoretical frameworks, empirical data, and practical interventions forms a critical foundation for understanding and addressing the complex relationship between social media use and suicide risk among young people.

The intersection of social media use and suicidal behavior among adolescents can be critically examined through several psychological and sociological theories that elucidate underlying mechanisms contributing to vulnerability. One of the foundational frameworks is Festingers Social Comparison Theory (1954), which posits that individuals inherently evaluate themselves by comparing with others to establish self-worth and identity. 

In the context of social media, this process becomes amplified due to the omnipresence of idealized, often curated representations of peers’ lives, resulting in maladaptive upward comparisons that precipitate lowered self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and feelings of inadequacy (Vogel et al., 2014). Empirical studies confirm that adolescents engaging in frequent social comparison on platforms like Instagram report elevated levels of anxiety and depressive affect, both established precursors of suicidal ideation (Appel et al., 2016).

Complementing this is the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2005), which identifies two primary psychological states driving suicidal desire: perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Social media can exacerbate these states through cyberbullying and social exclusion, which diminish feelings of social connectedness and increase loneliness, thereby intensifying suicidal risk (Van Orden et al., 2010). Data from longitudinal studies reinforce this association, revealing that adolescents experiencing online harassment exhibit significant increases in suicidal ideation over time (Hamm et al., 2015).

Another relevant framework is the Cognitive-Behavioral Model of Problematic Internet Use (Davis, 2001), which explains addictive patterns in social media engagement. This model theorizes that maladaptive cognitions such as beliefs about the necessity of online validation lead to compulsive use that interferes with daily functioning and emotional regulation. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that such addictive use patterns predict heightened emotional distress and suicidality in youth (Moreno et al., 2011; Hawes et al., 2022). Notably, recent research differentiates between mere screen time and addictive behaviors, highlighting that it is the latter’s interference with psychosocial functioning that serves as a more robust predictor of suicidal tendencies (Twenge & Campbell, 2018).

From a sociological perspective, the Routine Activity Theory offers insights into the situational factors facilitating exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying. This theory suggests that the convergence of motivated offenders (cyberbullies), suitable targets (vulnerable youth), and the absence of capable guardians (insufficient moderation and supervision) creates an environment conducive to victimization (Cohen & Felson, 1979). The lack of adequate content regulation and digital literacy exacerbates youths exposure to suicide-related content, which empirical data link to contagion effects and normalization of suicidal behavior (Niederkrotenthaler et al., 2012).

Looking forward, the integration of these theories suggests a complex biopsychosocial model wherein individual vulnerabilities, cognitive distortions, and environmental risk factors converge synergistically to influence suicidal behavior in adolescents engaged in social media. Predictive models incorporating machine learning algorithms applied to digital footprints show promise in early detection of at-risk youth by identifying markers consistent with these theoretical constructs (Reid et al., 2023). This underscores the imperative for multidisciplinary prevention strategies combining psychological interventions, digital literacy enhancement, and platform-level policy reforms to mitigate the burgeoning public health challenge

n conclusion, the intricate relationship between social media use and suicide attempts among adolescents is mediated by a confluence of psychological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors. Empirical evidence elucidates that exposure to cyberbullying, maladaptive social comparisons, addictive engagement, and suicide-related content collectively exacerbate mental health vulnerabilities, precipitating suicidal ideation and attempts. Theoretical frameworks such as Social Comparison Theory, the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, and the Cognitive-Behavioral Model of Problematic Internet Use provide a robust explanatory scaffold for understanding these dynamics. Notably, the amplification of risk is facilitated by insufficient digital literacy, inadequate content moderation, and the absence of effective psychosocial support systems within digital environments.

Forecasting the trajectory of this public health issue, it is anticipated that without comprehensive interventions, suicide attempts linked to social media will continue to rise concomitantly with increased digital engagement among youth populations. However, advances in predictive analytics utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning hold promise for early identification of at-risk individuals through real-time monitoring of online behaviors and linguistic markers. This technological evolution must be integrated thoughtfully within ethical frameworks to safeguard privacy while maximizing preventive potential.

Based on the synthesis of current literature and data, several critical recommendations emerge. First, multidisciplinary prevention programs should be implemented, incorporating digital literacy education aimed at fostering resilience to negative social comparison and enhancing critical engagement with online content. Second, parental and educational stakeholder involvement is imperative to establish balanced digital consumption and to facilitate open dialogues about mental health risks associated with social media. 

Third, social media platforms bear a significant responsibility to enhance algorithmic content moderation, proactively removing harmful and suicide-related materials, and promoting supportive, prosocial content. Fourth, accessible, youth-friendly mental health resources embedded within digital platforms should be expanded, enabling timely interventions. Finally, policymakers must prioritize the development of regulatory frameworks that hold digital platforms accountable for mitigating harms and safeguarding adolescent mental health.

In summation, addressing the multifactorial impact of social media on adolescent suicide attempts demands an integrative approach combining psychological theory, empirical research, technological innovation, and policy action. Such a holistic paradigm will be indispensable for reducing suicide rates, improving mental health outcomes, and fostering a safer digital ecosystem for future generations.

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Nurboboyeva Dilshoda born on March 4, 2005, in Shurchi village, Shahrisabz district, Kashkadarya region, is one of Uzbekistan’s bright young minds who has devoted her early years to the pursuit of knowledge and human understanding. From childhood, she has been deeply passionate about learning, psychology, and the science of the human soul.

In 2023, she was admitted to Turon University in Karshi city, majoring in Psychology, and currently continues her studies as a third-year student. Throughout her academic journey, Dilshoda has shown exceptional dedication not only in mastering her field but also in inspiring and leading others.

As the leader of the “Future Leaders” initiative, she has worked to foster a spirit of unity, motivation, and academic excellence among students. Her leadership is defined by empathy, creativity, and the ability to bring people together toward shared goals.

Dilshoda’s scientific research has already earned recognition. She has authored and published around ten academic papers in respected journals such as “Science, Education and Research,” “Prospects of Science,” and “Journal Pedagogs.” In addition, she has participated in several scientific and practical conferences, including “Young Jadids” and “Future Scientists,” where she shared her research findings and innovative ideas. She is also the recipient of multiple international certificates for her academic and leadership achievements.

Her technical proficiency includes digital literacy, analytical research, presentation design, and effective work on online platforms — skills that support her modern, research-oriented approach to psychology.

For Dilshoda, psychology is more than a profession — it is a calling. She believes that a true psychologist helps people overcome emotional struggles, develop confidence, and restore inner harmony. Her mission is to study the human psyche deeply and to contribute to building a society with stronger mental well-being and positive thinking among youth.

In the future, she aspires to become a qualified psychologist and educator, continue her scientific research, and share her knowledge through teaching and practical work in the field of psychology. Dilshoda aims to be a role model for young researchers and an advocate for mental health awareness.

Her life philosophy beautifully reflects her dedication to learning and morality:

“Study so hard that I have no strength left to sin.”