Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, has launched 6,000 satellites into low orbit. This provides high-speed internet access to very remote places around the world. One such place is the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, home to the ancient Marubo tribe.
Since Starlink began service in Brazil last September, it has had concerning effects on the tribe’s younger generation of around 2,000 people. The internet was supposed to bring progress through education and health resources. However, tribal leaders report youths have become lazier and addicted to social media and pornography instead.
Tribal Leader Voices Concerns The Marubo tribal leader Alfredo voiced his worries to the New York Times. Young men have been sharing explicit videos in group chats. “We’re worried young people are going to want to try it,” Alfredo said, referring to the graphic sexual content.
The community has also noticed young men exhibiting more aggressive sexual behaviors after viewing the pornographic videos. There are fears that exposure to violent video games may negatively impact younger children’s behaviors as well.
Starlink Expansion in Brazil Starlink entered the Brazilian market in 2023, making high-speed internet possible in remote regions like the Amazon for the first time. So far, Elon Musk has launched around 5,000 Starlink satellites, amassing nearly 2 million subscribers worldwide.
While internet access brings opportunities, the effects on the isolated Marubo tribe demonstrate the need to thoughtfully introduce new technology to preserve ancient cultures.