Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a five-level pyramid showing the basic, psychological, and self-fulfillment needs that Maslow believed all humans attempt to meet. In ascending order, the levels are physiological needs, safety needs, belongingness/love needs, esteem needs, and finally self-actualization. As a lower level is satisfied, the person then focuses on the next highest level, with the goal of one day reaching self-fulfillment. Failure to meet a need can result in mental, emotional, or physical distress.

Digital technology has shifted how we view these needs. Classically, physiological needs were considered food, water, shelter, sleep, health, etc. A smartphone is such an important part of modern life that losing it can spark emotional and even physical unrest. If you are out in public and suddenly cannot find your device you feel it in the pit of your stomach. For safety needs, modern devices provide a rapid way to reach out for help. If you need emergency services you call them from the scene of the emergency instead of having to track down a phone somewhere. If lost you can access a map on your phone in seconds, or call for a tow truck if you face mechanical problems. Technology has also changed how we reach our need for belonging. You can message, video call, play games, and share photos and videos with friends and family even if they live great distances away. Social media platforms can give anyone a platform to share their work and accomplishments to fulfill their esteem needs. Then finally, there is self-actualization, a stage that is rarely met, where someone reaches their full potential in personal and creative pursuits. This is a stage where you can chase your passion projects. With technology making the lower levels of needs easier to meet, then perhaps more people can achieve self-actualization.

Though digital technology has brought about many changes, Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is still applicable for recognizing the needs of humans living in the modern age.