As far as knowledge and game mechanics go, if you don't ask, no one will "spoil" your ignorance. General chat is as good or better source of knowledge than tribal chat, but you don't have to look at general chat. (In fact, it takes some players a while to even find general chat, and configuring the chat window will be one of those things you will have to ask or find by accident.)

The way a tribe would "spoil" a new player is to provide all the tools and gear you need. That said, it might take a lot of grinding tool craft to learn to make the tools you need. Going totally solo is really difficult. Mostly solo with some trading is a lot easier.

Of course, you can't start your own tribe as free-to-play, and that will steer you towards a tribe sooner than later.