In September 2023, the Marubo people of the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory in the Amazon rainforest gained high-speed internet access through Elon Musk's Starlink service. This development has brought dramatic changes to the 2,000-member tribe, who have traditionally lived in remote and isolated communities along the Ituí River. The internet has provided benefits such as emergency communications and connectivity with distant loved ones but has also introduced challenges akin to those experienced globally, including addiction to social media, exposure to misinformation, and cultural shifts among the youth.
The Marubo are now confronting issues like teenagers glued to phones, group chats spreading gossip, and concerns over online content like violent video games and pornography. This sudden digital connectivity has generated significant internal debate about its impact on their culture and way of life. The internet was introduced with the assistance of Allyson Reneau, an American motivational speaker, who facilitated the installation of Starlink antennas.
Marubo leaders, such as Enoque Marubo, see the internet as a tool for autonomy and communication, while critics like Alfredo Marubo worry about the loss of oral traditions and increased exposure to harmful content. The internet is regulated within the community, with limited daily access. Despite the challenges, community leaders agree that Starlink has become an indispensable aspect of Marubo life.