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.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that outlines five levels of human
needs, from basic survival to self-actualization. The first level consists of physiological
needs, which include food, water, shelter, and sleep. In today’s age, technology has
greatly improved and integrated into fulfilling our daily basic needs. There are smart
home devices that can automatically regulate the temperature of your house based on
your personal preferences and what the weather is that day. Apps and services such as
DoorDash and Instacart allow you to browse, shop, and order food and groceries
directly to your doorstep from your smartphone. If you have one of the many
smartwatches on the market today, there are many apps that allow you to track your
sleep through a built-in heart rate monitor. I’ve personally used them to track my REM
sleep state and determine the best time for me to go to sleep based on how long it
states it would take for me to fall into a deep sleep state. The second level focuses on
safety needs, which include security, health, and financial stability. Technology plays a
major role in creating a sense of safety with cybersecurity software and home security
systems. For me, technology has given me a greater sense of security when it comes to
protecting my home. I have smart doorbell cameras, motion-sensing floodlights, and
smart locks, all of which I can monitor and control from my phone at any given time.
Recently someone attempted to break into my car at night, which my doorbell camera
caught and alerted me. If I didn’t have that camera setup, I would have never known.
The third level is about love and belonging. I’ve been in the navy for 6 years now, and
social technologies have made it easier for me to stay connected to loved ones through
video calls and messaging apps, strengthening my support system during these
isolating times. The fourth level covers esteem needs like respect, self-esteem, status,
and recognition. Technology has opened up an avenue for fulfilling these needs through
online learning platforms (Coursera), professional networking tools (LinkedIn), and
content creation (YouTube and TikTok). I use Coursera to assist in learning new skills,
like the Python programming language, which helps me stand out among the competition.
I’ve also used YouTube to learn how to work on and repair my car and do basic
upgrades around my house, like upgrading light fixtures and changing my brakes. The
The fifth and final level covers self-actualization. Self-actualization is the process of realizing
and fulfilling your potential, talents, and abilities. It represents the highest level of psychological development, where you become the best version of yourself—pursuing
personal growth, creativity, meaning, and purpose.