A remote tribe in the Amazon was given access to the internet by Elon Musk, but the elders argue that it has torn them apart.
Having access to the internet is something that we take for granted nowadays, and when it goes slightly slower than normal it can cause some grief.
I think back to the days of having one computer in my house for the whole family, but the thought of having no internet at all horrifies me.
Well on Amazon tribe are showing us that having access to the online world isn't all that it's cracked up to be.
Elders of the Marubo tribe, which numbers 2,000 members, have expressed concerns over social media and p*rnography addiction tearing their community apart.
The Marubo, living along the Ituí River, connected to the web for the first time nine months ago, thanks to Elon Musk's Starlink's high-speed internet delivered through low-orbiting satellites.
Initial reactions were positive. "When it arrived, everyone was happy," said Tsainama Marubo, 73, to The New York Times.
However, the impact on the community has taken a troubling turn. "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 tribe's traditions, which discourage public displays of affection, are now under threat. Alfredo Marubo expressed his fears that the arrival of the internet might disrupt their decorum.
"We’re worried young people are going to want to try it," he said, referring to the explicit content young men have been sharing. "Everyone is so connected that sometimes they don’t even talk to their own family."
Starlink's service, facilitated by antennas donated by American entrepreneur Allyson Reneau, initially promised life-saving benefits, such as quicker responses to emergencies.
"It’s already saved lives," said Enoque Marubo, 40, noting the ability to quickly contact authorities during emergencies.
The internet also brought educational resources and new aspirations for the youth. Some now dream of traveling the world or pursuing careers, like becoming a dentist in São Paulo.
Yet, Enoque also highlighted the drawbacks. "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."
This clash of tradition and modernity is evident among the youth. "Some young people maintain our traditions," said TamaSay Marubo, 42. "Others just want to spend the whole afternoon on their phones."
Concerns over the loss of oral history and culture prompted tribe leaders to limit internet access to specific hours. Despite these measures, many parents worry about the lasting impact.
Kâipa Marubo expressed anxiety over his children’s exposure to violent video games. "I’m worried that they’re suddenly going to want to mimic them," he stated.
The tribe have limited access to the internet for two hours each morning, five hours each evening, and all day Sunday.
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