The year is 2077. Neo-Tokyo, a sprawling metropolis, boasts cutting-edge sensor technology interwoven into its very fabric. From the moment citizens step onto the hyper-efficient public transport, their movements are tracked, their vital signs monitored, ostensibly to enhance safety and streamline city operations. This data, a constant stream of information, forms the nervous system of Neo-Tokyo, feeding into algorithms designed to predict crime, optimize traffic flow, and even personalize citizen experiences. However, this hyper-surveillance system is not without its critics. A cultural clash has emerged between those who embrace the convenience and security of the omnipresent sensors and those who view it as a dystopian nightmare, a violation of privacy that stifles individuality and freedom. Traditionalists, clinging to their analog lifestyles, see the sensors as an affront to their cultural heritage, creating a digital divide that exacerbates existing social inequalities. Adding another layer of complexity is the growing concern over data security. Despite rigorous security protocols, there have been several high-profile incidents of data breaches, raising questions about the vulnerability of the system and the potential for misuse of personal information. The possibility of large-scale identity theft, social engineering, and even state-sponsored espionage looms large, casting a long shadow on the promise of a safer, more efficient city. The protagonist, Hana, a young programmer raised in Neo-Tokyo, finds herself caught in this conflict. She witnesses firsthand the benefits of the sensor network – crime has plummeted, traffic jams are a rare occurrence. But she also sees its dark side: the pervasive sense of being watched, the erosion of trust, and the chilling potential for misuse. Hana grapples with a moral dilemma: should she work within the system to improve its security, or should she fight to dismantle it entirely, even if it means sacrificing some of the benefits it offers? Her journey exposes the intricate web of ethical, cultural, and technological challenges posed by this futuristic society.
1. What is the central conflict depicted in the passage?
2. According to the passage, what is a major concern regarding Neo-Tokyo's sensor network?
3. What is Hana's internal conflict?
4. The term "digital divide" in the passage refers to: