REMOTE BRAZILIAN TRIBE GIVEN INTERNET: FACES PORN, SCAMS, AND SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION

Matt Case - June 4th, 2024 - 7:18am PDT 

Internet Brings Social Media Addiction and Scams to Remote Brazilian Tribe

Leaders of the Marubo tribe in the Amazon rainforest report that the introduction of the internet has led to social media addiction, pornography exposure, and online scams among their members.

The Marubo, residing along the Itui River in Brazil, gained high-speed internet access last year through Elon Musk's Starlink satellite program. The 2,000-strong community initially benefited from the technology, enabling emergency medical calls and instant communication with distant relatives.

However, the tribe quickly encountered the darker side of the internet. Tribal leaders now observe increased laziness, with members, especially teens, spending excessive time on social media and viewing graphic pornography. Enoque Marubo, 40, described the internet as transformative yet detrimental, disrupting their traditional way of life where survival depended on hunting, fishing, and farming.

Alfredo Marubo highlighted a rise in overt sexual behavior and aggression among young men, a significant cultural shift in a community where public displays of affection are taboo. He noted that explicit videos were being shared in group chats, contributing to this behavioral change.

TamaSay Marubo, the tribe's first female leader, expressed concerns that social media had led young tribespeople to neglect their responsibilities. She feared the tribe's traditions might be lost as members spend more time on smartphones, retreating from in-person interactions.

Elder Tsainama Marubo, 73, lamented the changes, stating, "Things have gotten worse. Young people have gotten lazy because of the internet. They're learning the ways of the white people." The community also faced cyberbullying and scams, further complicating their adaptation to the digital world.