A remote Amazon tribe finally got access to the internet, and some of them immediately got hooked on adult entertainment websites.
It's safe to say that the introduction has been divisive. Brazil's 2,000-member Marubo tribe got access to the internet thanks to Starlink service nine months ago. The satellite internet service connected tribe to the internet for the first time. It was their first exposure to the larger world with the community residing along the Ituí River
"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."
Prior to the internet, The Marubo tribe had distinct rues about sex. They are a chaste tribe, which means they are against public displays of affection. However, Alfredo Marubo said that men in the tribe have begun sharing adult content in group chats. They also started to display "aggressive sexual behavior."
"We're worried young people are going to want to try it," he said of some of the sexual content. The Amazon tribe said there's been a loss of personal interactions. "Everyone is so connected that sometimes they don't even talk to their own family."
Amazon Tribe Concerned
While the internet has positivities for the remote tribe, it's also been negative. One thing tribe members appreciate is the ability to quickly contact for help. For instance, if a member got bit by a snake, they could reach out for help. "It's already saved lives," Enoque Marubo, 40, stated. It's also been used as an educational resource, helping to broaden the minds of the Amazon tribe.
However other tribe members are worried that their ways will be lost. They noticed an increase in laziness among the young people in the village.
"In the village, if you don't hunt, fish and plant, you don't eat. Some young people maintain our traditions," TamaSay Marubo, 42, added. "Others just want to spend the whole afternoon on their phones."
Up until this point, Marubo has passed down its history and culture orally. However, there's a risk of that being lost forever especially with a growing divide between generations. The older generations are concerned for the younger members of the tribe. It should be noted right now the service is limited to only a few hours a day thanks to Starlink.
"This is called ethnocentrism," Dutra Marubo said. "The white man thinking they know what's best."
