Nine months after Elon Musk’s Starlink service connected a remote Amazon tribe to the internet, the Marubo tribe is grappling with unexpected challenges.
Porn addiction among young men
While the initial introduction of the internet was celebrated, the tribe’s elders have reported a disturbing surge in porn addiction among the community’s young men. Alfredo Marubo, a tribesman, expressed his concern to The New York Times, revealing that some men are sharing explicit videos in group chats. He fears they may attempt to mimic the graphic content they are exposed to.
The newfound access to explicit content has led to instances of aggressive sexual behavior among the previously chaste men of the tribe. This alarming trend is causing significant concern among the elders, who are seeking ways to address and mitigate the impact.
Impact on children and youth
The internet’s influence extends beyond porn addiction. Children are increasingly playing violent shooter games, chatting with strangers online, and spending hours glued to their phones. Tsainama Marubo, another tribesman, noted that this behavior is making the youth lazy and more inclined to adopt “the ways of the white people.”
Balancing benefits and challenges
Despite these challenges, the internet has been a game-changer for the Marubo tribe in several positive ways. It has improved their ability to seek help during emergencies, provided access to a wealth of educational resources, and allowed them to connect with family members beyond their immediate surroundings.
As the Marubo tribe continues to navigate the online jungle of possibilities, they find themselves caught between the benefits and pitfalls of their new digital reality. The elders are now tasked with finding a balance that preserves their cultural values while embracing the advantages of the internet.