Marubo tribe faces division after Starlink internet service arrives.

The Marubo tribe, a reclusive community in the Amazon rainforest, has experienced significant changes since gaining access to the internet through Elon Musk's Starlink service nine months ago. This technological leap has brought both benefits and challenges, causing a rift among the tribe members.

"When it arrived, everyone was happy," Tsainama Marubo, 73, told The New York Times. "But now, things have gotten worse. Young people have gotten lazy because of the internet, they're learning the ways of the white people."




The internet access, made possible by the Tesla founder's service, has led to a division within the 2,000-member tribe. Alfredo Marubo, concerned about the impact on the tribe's traditional values, noted increased aggressive sexual behavior among young men, attributed to their exposure to pornography.

The service, which connects remote areas to the web using 6,000 low-orbiting satellites, was initially welcomed for its potential life-saving benefits. "It's already saved lives," stated Enoque Marubo, 40, highlighting the rapid communication with authorities during emergencies like snake bites.


However, not all impacts have been positive. Alfredo expressed concerns about young tribe members' growing addiction to the internet and social media, which has disrupted their daily routines and cultural practices. "Some young people maintain our traditions," said TamaSay Marubo, 42, "Others just want to spend the whole afternoon on their phones."

To mitigate the negative effects, Marubo leaders have imposed restrictions on internet usage, allowing access for only two hours each morning, five hours each evening, and all day on Sunday. Despite these measures, some parents worry the damage may already be irreversible.


Enoque Marubo emphasized the challenge of maintaining traditional ways of life. "In the village, if you don't hunt, fish, and plant, you don't eat," he stated. The tribe's elders fear that their history and culture, traditionally passed down orally, could be lost as younger members become more engrossed in the digital world.
Credit: The Sun