Starlink in one of the most remote places on earth
The Marubo, an indigenous tribe in the Amazon rainforest, recently gained access to high-speed internet through Elon Musk’s Starlink. While initially celebrated for benefits like improved communication and emergency services, the tribe is now grappling with the internet’s downsides. Jessica Reyes and Patricia Wu discuss the story with mental health advocate, Rabbi Brandon Gaines.
A rapid culture shift
Teenagers are glued to phones, gossip spreads quickly, and young people are less interested in traditional activities. There are also concerns about addiction, scams, misinformation, and exposure to pornography. The internet’s rapid arrival, facilitated by Starlink’s dominance in the satellite internet market, has forced the Marubo to confront its potential and peril simultaneously. This debate is playing out across the Amazon, as Starlink has reached 93% of the region’s legal municipalities, opening up new opportunities but also raising concerns about exploitation and environmental damage.
Mixed opinions on the new way of life
Within the Marubo tribe, opinions are divided. Some leaders see the internet as a tool for empowerment and education, while others worry about its negative impact on culture and tradition. This disagreement has even led to political conflict. Despite these challenges, the internet’s presence seems irreversible. The Marubo, like many communities worldwide, are trying to navigate its complexities and find a balance between the benefits and risks it presents. The tribe’s experience serves as a microcosm of the broader global struggle to adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape.
To learn more about Rabbi Brandon Gaines, visit his website.
