Module 4 Journal
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 (MHN) is a theory of ones needs based on order of importance. Traditionally, MHN is a pyramid of 3 categories that total 5 levels. The first category is called the Basic Needs and it includes Physiological and Safety Needs. Next, is the Psychological Needs which contain Belongingness and Love Needs as well as Esteem Needs. Finally, the top of the hierarchy is Self-fulfillment Needs. This level is all about Self-actualization. In this journal entry I will attempt to correlate MHN to my experience with technology. Starting with Basic Needs. Spoiler alert, there is a trend where technology has infiltrated every facet of my life.
Food, water, warmth, and rest are part of the Physiological needs and lowest of MHN. In a sense, each of these needs are facilitated by my technology experience. With technology, I can order food online, pay for my utilities, and even have my vitals monitored via smartwatch as I sleep. We use electronic personal assistants to convert quantities or set reminders and alarms. No, I cannot eat my iPad, but because I own an iPad, I can use it to follow a recipe that will let me eat an elevated form of basic food. Truly, what a miraculous time to be alive.
Following physiological needs is safety needs which is security and safety. In this instance I use technology to look up neighborhoods and schools online to determine if I should live in the area. A crime laden area obviously is not a place I wish for my family or I as it does indeed increase events. I use the internet to stay abreast of world events and even track the market. Part of safety and security is ensuring I am able to financially maintain the lower tier of my basic needs.
The next level tier is belongingness and love needs. Traditional love and relationships revolved around having to meet people face to face. Now a days everything can be initiated online. I was part of the generation where eharmony, an online like dating service, was just beginning. The online dating market has since evolved to include tinder, bumble, grinder, and others. But the use of online services is not limited to finding love, but also keeping in touch with friends and family. Facebook is likely one of if not the most popular form of social media where people can stay in touch with one another. Some people use it as a way to flex their accomplishments or stalk people to see what they are up to. I initially used Facebook as a means to create connections and keep up with friends, but as my viewpoints changed and our lives diverged, I used it as a platform to keep in touch with family and share with them as a whole, pictures if my kids. I am notoriously bad at sending my parents pictures of my children. As my kids have become older and I drew concerns of their digital footprint, I opted to disengage from the majority of Facebook activities other than to respond to a few posts and use it as a federation/alternate login for various websites.
Prestige and feelings of accomplishment are the basis of esteem needs. In this case, I am not entirely sure where technology and esteem cross for me. I am part of the cybersecurity major at ODU which upon completion would indeed lead to an accomplishment in technology. However, I feel that level esteem and accomplishment would be fleeting as the next endeavor would take its place. Pivoting from that, I guess would be my hobbies which used to include paddling an outrigger canoe and woodworking. I have not had the time or equipment for the former, but with the latter, I use “dumb technology” like table saws or CNC machines. I have achieved great amounts of accomplishments and esteem for my canoe races and wood working projects, but once they have been completed, the focus shifts. I feel that Esteem is a constant need to “prove one’s self” until you are at the pinnacle of your field; not to be confused with self-actualization.
In our final tier, we focus on achieving one’s full potential. This is the point where technology and MHN is most removed for me. I have not attained a level of maximum potential. In my cases I am still trying to find my potential where I believe I truly belong and am not accepted in my position but considered the best for me. I have always had this idea the best NASCAR drivers in the world probably don’t know they exist. What my analogy means is that if you never try a thing or dedicate your time, how will you know you are good at something. I could be the worlds’ best at ski jump, but if the opportunity or interest never present itself I would never know.