Remote Amazon tribe get internet via Starlink and complain kids are addicted to social media

The Marubo tribe from Amazon has recently gained access to the internet through Elon Musk’s Starlink.

But this technological leap has brought unexpected challenges.

The people of the Marubo tribe were introduced to the internet in September 2023, and things haven’t gone exactly to plan.

READ MORE: SpaceX makes history using Starlink’s ‘Direct-to-Cell’ satellites

These tribal people have lived along the Itui River for centuries, and now, technology has finally reached their homes.

Some time ago, the world’s largest cruise company also got equipped with Starlink internet.

As we all know, the use of the internet can be both harmful and useful.

There are a lot of reasons why some of the tribal people appreciate the feasibility of the internet.

From calling in the case of emergency, to being connected to the known ones, the internet is positively changing lives.

However, that’s not the case for everyone in the community.

Issues faced with the introduction of the internet via Starlink

The biggest fear about the internet for parents is their children getting addicted to illicit content on the web and addiction to social media.

And seems like the dark side of the web has spread its wings in the Marubo community.

This is even more concerning as the community has been living without modern technology until now, and their introduction to it hasn’t been positive.

Alfredo Marubo, an elder in the group, shared that he has noticed more aggressive sexual behavior in young males.

He blamed the extensive sharing of illicit content in group chats for this behavior.

Another concerning issue reported was the excessive playing of violent shooting video games.

Talking to strangers online is another side effect of internet access that the youth of the Marubo community has faced.

Anyone experiencing such challenges would undoubtedly want to address them immediately.

Thus, the leaders of the community have decided to limit access to internet.

According to the new rules set by the elders, now the Marubo people are allowed to use the internet for two hours each morning, five hours each evening, and all day on Sunday.

If we consider it, the allocated internet hours are ample for everyone to both enjoy and learn something new every day.

While the introduction to modern technology is necessary, it’s also important to safeguard the cultural richness of the tribe.

There couldn’t be a better way to do that besides limiting the internet hours.

Maybe we could all take a leaf out of their e-book?