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 five levels: Psychological Needs, Safety Needs, Belongingness and Love Needs, Esteem Needs, and Self-Actualization.

Psychological Needs: Maslow identifies basic physical needs like air, water, food, and sleep at the foundational level. In the context of technology, access to the internet and digital devices can be seen as fulfilling these basic needs. For example, online platforms that provide information about health, nutrition, and well-being contribute to fulfilling physiological needs, such as the health app on an iPhone, or the insurance platform that connects me with doctors.

Safety Needs: Safety needs involve personal security, employment, resources, health, and property. In a digital aspect, cybersecurity becomes crucial for ensuring safety. Trust in online transactions, secure communication channels, and measures to protect personal information contribute to fulfilling safety needs. For instance, using secure payment gateways during online transactions for my rent or enabling two-factor authentication to log onto canvas enhances my sense of digital safety.

Love and Belongingness Needs: The need for interpersonal relationships and a sense of belonging can be met through social media and online communities. Digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter enable me to be able to connect with family and friends, share experiences, and belong to virtual communities. These interactions fulfill the need for social connection and contribute to a sense of belongingness.

Esteem Needs: Esteem needs involve self-esteem, confidence, achievement, and respect from others. In a technological sense, achievements can be recognized through online platforms, such as social media or professional networks like LinkedIn. Likes, comments, and positive feedback on digital content contribute to a sense of accomplishment and recognition, fulfilling esteem needs.

Self-Actualization Needs: Self-actualization is about realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, and seeking personal growth. Online education platforms, such as canvas, Khan Academy, and many others have provided me digital resources for skill development contribute to self-actualization.