As it explains in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, there are five different levels in a pyramid style diagram. At the base of the hierarchy there is the most basic necessities, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep. In my experience with technology, access to digital infrastructure and resources such as the internet, and the heating and air conditioning in my house. The internet is important for physiological needs because it gives updated information, a form of communication, and a connection to the outside world.

The next level in the hierarchy is the need for safety and that entails physical safety, security, and stability. The way I use technology to contribute to the need of safety is security systems in my home, car, and other personal structures. Another way I use technology for security is by using secure payment platforms to ensure the safety of my assets and personal information.

The next level in the hierarchy is the need for love and belongingness. I use social media and other forms of social interactions such as gaming, and online forums to connect to like-minded people, family members, and friends. I have many different groups of friends I game with that I would have never met if it weren’t for gaming. I have also established myself within certain car clubs and communities by interacting with people online and creating friendships and connections. Social media, gaming, and online forums are just a few ways to connect with people as close as the same city and as far as across the world.

The need to contribute to one’s esteem is the next level of the hierarchy. This kind of need relates to one’s self-esteem, recognition, and respect from others. I don’t personally have to feed into this need all too much, but in the past I have posted on social media to recognize my accomplishments within school events, birthdays, and to show off awards I have earned. I can see why other people would need to feed more into this than others for validation, but I can and have done without up until now.

The last level of needs is self-actualization within the hierarchy. This can be explained as the fulfillment of one’s goals, dreams, ambitions all for the pursuit of personal growth and maximizing potential. I have utilized technology for this need to achieve the goal of getting my Associate’s degree in Information Systems Technology and pursuing my Bachelors’ degree in Cybersecurity. This goal wouldn’t have been possible for me if it wasn’t for asynchronous classes allowing me to go to work full-time and school full-time. If it weren’t for this technology, I would not be here right now writing this journal entry.