The annual Belief Symposium at prestigious Tohoku University, renowned for its cutting-edge research, faced an unprecedented challenge this year. The theme, "Ethics in the Digital Age," was particularly relevant given the increasing integration of virtual reality (VR) technology into various aspects of life. Professor Kenji Tanaka, a leading expert in VR ethics, delivered a keynote speech focusing on the potential for misuse of VR technology. He highlighted the risk of VR environments being used to perpetuate and even amplify existing societal inequalities, citing instances of virtual harassment and the potential for VR-mediated sexual harassment. He stressed the lack of robust legal frameworks to address such issues and urged for proactive measures to establish clear ethical guidelines. He also emphasized the importance of integrating ethical considerations into the design and development of VR technology from its inception, rather than treating ethics as an afterthought. However, Professor Tanaka's speech sparked a heated debate. Some attendees argued that focusing solely on the negative aspects of VR technology risked hindering innovation. They proposed that the focus should instead be on harnessing the technology's potential for positive social impact, such as its use in education and therapy. Others questioned the effectiveness of ethical guidelines, suggesting that relying solely on self-regulation by tech companies might not suffice. The discussion extended beyond the symposium itself. A student journalist, Akari Sato, wrote an article in the university newspaper highlighting the lack of clear protocols for handling sexual harassment incidents, both in the physical and virtual spaces of the university. Her article spurred a call for the university to strengthen its policies and offer more comprehensive training on bystander intervention and reporting procedures. The incident underscored the complex interplay between technological advancement, societal norms, and the urgent need for ethical considerations in navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The challenges raised by the symposium have ignited a campus-wide conversation about responsibility, accountability, and the future of technology in shaping human interaction.
1. What was the main concern raised by Professor Tanaka in his keynote speech?
2. What was the response of some attendees to Professor Tanaka's speech?
3. What prompted Akari Sato's article in the university newspaper?
4. What is the overall theme of the passage?
5. Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?