The remote Marubo tribe in the Amazon has recently been connected to the internet through Elon Musk’s Starlink service. This has brought both benefits and challenges to the 2,000-member community. The internet access is helping the tribe quickly contact authorities during emergencies like snake bites.

It also allows them to share educational resources and communicate with relatives who have moved away. However, the introduction of the internet has led to some problems. Alfredo Marubo reports an increase in “aggressive sexual behavior” among young tribe members due to exposure to pornography.

This is concerning in a community that traditionally frowns upon public displays of affection. “We’re worried young people are going to want to try it,” Alfredo Marubo said about the explicit content. Tsainama Marubo, 73, noted that since getting internet, young people are more disconnected from their families.

They prefer to be online rather than doing traditional activities like hunting and farming. To address this, tribal leaders have restricted internet access to certain hours each day. They hope this will help maintain their traditions while still allowing the benefits of modern technology.

Some tribe members see the internet as a way to broaden their horizons.

Internet’s impact on Marubo tribe

One young girl dreams of traveling the world.

Another wants to become a dentist in São Paulo. But others see drawbacks. Enoque Marubo pointed out the change in routine has been bad for some.

“In the village, if you don’t hunt, fish, and plant, you don’t eat,” he said. There are also worries about digital literacy. Some have fallen victim to online scams.

Others are concerned about the influence of violent video games and strangers on social media. Despite the challenges, Flora Dutra, a Brazilian activist who helped connect the Marubo to the internet, is optimistic. She believes the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Dutra says the tribespeople wanted and deserved this connection. She dismisses critics who say it threatens indigenous cultures as ethnocentric. Bringing the internet to remote communities remains a complex issue.

It highlights the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and allowing growth through technology.