In a world where swiping right is the norm and “sliding into DMs” is considered courtship, it’s hard to imagine there are people out there who haven’t been sucked into the digital vortex. Yet, drone footage has just reminded us of a group of humans who are blissfully unaware of the chaos that is modern civilization. These folks aren’t worried about Wi-Fi passwords or the latest TikTok dance craze. Instead, they’re living in remote parts of the world, with lifestyles that make your off-the-grid uncle look like a tech-savvy influencer.
Captured by G. Miranda for Survival International, these aerial shots give us a rare peek into the lives of tribespeople from places like North Sentinel Island in India and areas near the Javari River valley in Brazil. These communities are so isolated that the concept of “streaming” probably only applies to the movement of water in their vicinity.
The footage, which became a viral hit on the Death Island Expeditions YouTube channel, showcases these uncontacted tribes’ homes and daily routines. And while some of us can’t even aim properly in a video game, these tribespeople are shown wielding bows and arrows like they’re ready for any drone that dares to interrupt their peace and quiet.
Viewers of the footage have expressed awe at the vastly different lives of these tribespeople compared to the rest of the world. One user commented on the surrealness of these communities being oblivious to things like grocery stores, phones, and the ever-pervasive social media. It’s a reminder of how diverse human existence can be, even in an age where global connection is just a click away.
The Brazilian government’s National Indian Foundation (FUNAI) and Survival International have been vocal about the threats these tribes face, primarily from illegal loggers in Peru. José Carlos dos Reis Meirelles Júnior, an expert on uncontacted tribes, emphasized the importance of these overflights, not as a breach of privacy but as a means to acknowledge and protect the existence of these communities.
As fascinating as these glimpses into uncontacted tribes are, they come with a stark reminder from Meirelles about the “monumental crime” against nature and these tribes by the so-called civilized parts of the world. It’s a bit of a reality check for those of us wrapped up in the digital world, offering a moment to reflect on the various ways of life that exist on this planet, untouched by the latest iPhone release or trending hashtag.
In a way, these uncontacted tribes are living the ultimate minimalist lifestyle, free from the clutter of modern society. While we’re here stressing over screen time and social media algorithms, they’re concerned with more fundamental aspects of human existence. It’s a humbling reminder that maybe, just maybe, there’s more to life than being online.
