Amazon Tribe Divided by Internet Access, Blame Social Media and Pornography for Cultural Erosion

A remote tribe in Brazil have become bitterly divided nine months after gaining access to satellite internet via Elon Musk's Starlink service.

A reclusive Amazonian tribe, the Marubo, connected to the internet through Elon Musk’s Starlink service, is now grappling with social media and pornography addiction, elders report.

The tribe live deep in the Amazon rainforest. The internet has helped them to be able to communicate quickly with authorities during emergencies.

The 2,000-member Marubo tribe, residing along the Ituí River in Brazil, received the internet nine months ago, courtesy of antennas donated by American entrepreneur Allyson Reneau. Initially celebrated, the connection has since caused significant cultural rifts within the community.

The 2,000 member Marubo tribe, who live along the Ituí River deep in the Amazon rainforest, were connected to the world wide web last September

“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 Marubo, who traditionally avoid public displays of affection, are now concerned about the tribe's decorum standards being eroded. Alfredo Marubo noted an increase in young men sharing pornographic videos and exhibiting more aggressive sexual behavior. “We’re worried young people are going to want to try it,” he said. “Everyone is so connected that sometimes they don’t even talk to their own family.”

Members are also able to share educational resources with other Amazonian tribes and connect with friends and family who now live elsewhere

Starlink's low-orbit satellites provided the tribe with high-speed internet, allowing quick emergency contacts, including for snake bites, and enabling the sharing of educational resources with other Amazonian tribes. The internet also expanded the horizons of young Marubo members, some now dreaming of traveling the world or pursuing careers in cities like São Paulo.

The satellites are seen being installed last September.

However, Enoque Marubo, 40, highlighted significant downsides. “It changed the routine so much that it was detrimental,” he said. “In the village, if you don’t hunt, fish, and plant, you don’t eat.” TamaSay Marubo, 42, added, “Some young people maintain our traditions. Others just want to spend the whole afternoon on their phones.”

Tribespeople became so addicted that Marubo leaders had limited access to the internet for two hours each morning, five hours each evening, and all day Sunday.

To combat internet addiction, Marubo leaders have imposed access limits: two hours each morning, five hours each evening, and all day Sunday. Yet, parents like Kâipa Marubo remain worried about their children mimicking violent video games and falling victim to online scams due to their lack of digital literacy.

Some officials in Brazil have criticized the rollout to the remote communities, saying special cultures and customs could be lost forever.

Flora Dutra, a Brazilian activist instrumental in connecting the Marubo to the internet, believes the concerns are exaggerated, arguing that the tribespeople “wanted and deserved” access to the web. Nonetheless, some Brazilian officials criticize the rollout, fearing it might erode unique cultures and customs.

“This is called ethnocentrism,” Dutra said of the critiques, “The white man thinking they know what’s best.”

Despite some of the problems plaguing the Marubro tribe, one activist said they "wanted and deserved" the Starlink internet.