Physiological needs (food, water, warmth, rest) – Technology makes acquiring physiological needs much easier in society today. For example, there are many ways to have groceries delivered to you and technologies that can monitor sleep levels. I have used platforms like DoorDash and GrubHub to have meals delivered to my location which is extremely convenient for a college student.
Safety needs (security, safety) – Since the rise of technology regarding home safety, I have seen and used smart cameras and doorbells that can be accessed by any electronic device. Devices like this ensure home safety as well as personal safety for many individuals across the world.
Belongingness and love needs (intimate relationships, friends) – social media has become a prominent method of interaction and communication among individuals in today’s society. Apps like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitter are all used for entertainment purposes as well as socialization. In my free time, I can access sports and video game content on YouTube or socialize with friends and family on Snapchat.
Esteem needs (prestige and feeling of accomplishment) – Technology has provided many ways for individuals to get feelings of accomplishment or prestige. As a college student, it is extremely rewarding to see great scores after completing quizzes, tests, or exams. Additionally, it is less stressful to have to worry about what your grades are when they are displayed on the platform that your school/university uses.
Self-actualization (achieving one’s full potential, including creative activities) – The pandemic made it extremely difficult for students to excel academically. Having to manage online courses while maintaining motivation and determination to complete assignments was overwhelming. To combat these difficulties, many platforms were created to assist students with their academics. A site that helped me significantly during the pandemic was Khan Academy. I was able to learn about multiple courses across different subjects through videos and interactive learning.