In a remote corner of the Amazon rainforest, the Marubo tribewith approximately 2,000 membershas undergone a significant transformation following the arrival of satellite internet provided by starlinkof Elon Musk. The installation of 20 antennas in the village of the Ituí River initially brought joy and hope. “When it arrived, everyone was happy.”Tsainama Marubo, 73, commented to the “The New York Times”. However, over time, this technology has generated unexpected problems.
Tsainama Marubo expressed concern, noting that young people have become lazy due to access to the internet and are adopting customs foreign to their culture. Alfredo Marubo, another member of the tribe, observed an increase in circulation of pornographic videos among young peoplewhich has led to more aggressive sexual behaviors. “We are concerned that young people want to try it”declared Alfredo, alluding to the sexual acts displayed on the screens.
Impact on youth and culture
The situation has worsened with Teenagers constantly glued to their phones, chatting and browsing addictive social networks. Furthermore, problems have arisen such as access to violent video gamesonline scams and exposure to false information and pornography. Although Starlink has provided benefits such as video chats with distant relatives and the ability to make emergency calls, Tsainama Marubo said that “things have gotten worse” since the arrival of the internet.
Young people have lost interest in traditional activitiess, such as the manufacture of dyes and jewelry, and now they dream of traveling the world or becoming professionals in cities like São Paulo. Enoque Marubo pointed out that the town’s routine has changed so much that it is harmful, since “If you don’t hunt, fish and plant, you don’t eat”. TamaSay Marubo, 42, added that while some young people maintain traditions, others prefer to spend the afternoon in front of their phones.
Measures and concerns
In the face of growing addiction, Tribal leaders have implemented internet access restrictions: two hours each morning, five hours each afternoon and all day Sunday. Alfredo Marubo lamented that the constant connection has decreased family communication, fearing that oral history and culture will be lost. Kâipa Marubo expressed his concern about the first-person shooter games his children play, while Other residents reported being victims of scams due to lack of digital knowledge.
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Flora Dutra, a Brazilian activist who helped connect the Marubo, acknowledged the problems and mentioned: “This is called ethnocentrism (…) The white man thinks he knows what is best”. Despite the challenges, the Marubo community faces a dilemma: balancing the benefits of the internet with the preservation of their ancestral customs and traditions.
