How Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs relates to technology, with elaboration on digital experiences.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a conceptual framework which refers to categorized human needs in a hierarchical structure. It explains that humans are motivated to satisfy their needs in a structured order. The most basic and fundamental needs are first. Then as those are met, we advance through the hierarchy to less emergent needs. The 5 levels are physiological needs, safety needs, belongingness and love needs, esteem needs and self-actualization.
The most basic level of need is physiological. We are first compelled to take care of our physical needs. These are things like food, water, rest, sufficient warmth etc. In modern society, our experiences with technology are heavily integrated with these needs. Food and water are organized and moved through a supply chain using technology. We access it with cars, we use refrigerators to prevent the food from spoiling. We have heating and cooling systems in our house to keep the temperature from becoming too hot or cold. Digitally, we check out our food using touch screens connected to inventory management systems. We connect our devices to smart thermostats and the cars we use to travel for food.
Next are safety needs, once the physical needs are met, we have the need to protect and sustain ourselves in a secure position. Technologically, this could mean home security systems, locks on car doors etc. From a digital technology standpoint, this means protecting our digital assets from intrusion/unauthorized access using cybersecurity measures like passwords, encryption, firewalls etc.
The next level is love and belongingness, sometimes also referred to as affiliation. This is our desire to be connected to one another. These needs are met through technology in so many ways. Phones, computers, cars and airplanes connect humans to each other. Digitally, smart phones and social media apps have revolutionized the way we interact, making meaningful connection possible with anyone, anywhere in the world, at anytime.
After this we have esteem. Human beings seek prestige and recognition in their lives. The technologies that we use for affiliation in the prior rung allow us to climb a corporate ladder, travel to a new city to run a marathon, become a community leader etc. These are ways we work to improve our standing in society and gain recognition and merit. Digitally, this has taken a new form in the last decade. Social media apps create a way for people to display their accomplishments to others.
Finally we have self-actualization. This is generally referred to as self-improvement. People are motivated to increase their own capacities as individuals. Technology has drastically changed this landscape. Anyone can learn any skill online. There is an abundance of free information available that allows people to learn new skills and hobbies. Therapy is now widely accessible online, as are meditation, yoga and many other self-improvement avenues.