Image Source: The Battuta
Internet connectivity, courtesy of Elon Musk, penetrates the Amazon Jungles, yet it comes with a downside: Tribes fall prey to addiction to pornography and social media.
In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the Marubos, a secluded indigenous community, stand at a pivotal juncture with the arrival of Starlink satellite internet, championed by Elon Musk, heralding a profound metamorphosis of their longstanding traditions. While this technological leap connects them with the global sphere, it also presents intricate challenges.
A recent investigation by The New York Times illuminated the Marubos’ journey as they, a tight-knit group of roughly 2,000 individuals, navigated their first encounter with the internet after the introduction of Starlink services in Brazil the prior September.
Among the elders, including 73-year-old Tsainama Marubo, a diverse array of sentiments surfaced in response to this modernization. Initially, there was a surge of excitement over the newfound opportunities the internet offered, such as video calls with distant relatives and swift access to essential aid. However, Tsainama noted a troubling shift, particularly among the younger generation, who she observed drifting away from traditional pursuits, captivated by the allure of the digital domain.
Alfredo Marubo, a respected figure within Marubo society, echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the exposure of the tribe’s youth to inappropriate online content like pornography, starkly contrasting with their cultural values of modesty and dignity. He mourned a noticeable rise in aggression, attributing it to the harmful influence of explicit material circulated online.
Yet, despite these challenges, the Marubos recognize the undeniable benefits that internet connectivity brings. It has significantly improved their ability to communicate with the outside world, enabling swifter responses to crises and empowering them to advocate for their rights by directly sharing their stories.
