Review Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and explain how each level relates to your experiences with technology. Give specific examples of how your digital experiences relate to each level of need.

Physiological needs: Mobile devices allow me to pay bills for basic needs, such as utilities, rent, or food, quickly and efficiently.

Safety needs: Security systems implemented by my apartment complex create a security barrier between me and unwanted guests. All doors to my building are secure from the outside until either an electronic key is used, or a visitor uses a touchscreen interface to request remote access from my phone.

Belongingness and love needs: Online forums, dating apps, and texting allow me to continue meeting friends and date locally, while also helping me stay in contact with friends and family who live far away.

Esteem needs: Fitness devices, such as Garmin watches or Fitbits, digitally track my health, count calories, measure progress in the gym, and help facilitate my fitness goals. This technology assists me in feeling accomplished.

Self-actualization: Achieving one’s full potential can be facilitated through technology by exposing them to new ideas and experiences via social media. An unfamiliar hobby discovered through others sharing their pastimes may turn out to be my creative passion. Listening to individuals share their thoughts or the way they perceive things through a podcast or discussion forum may facilitate the internal reflection needed to attain self-actualization.