Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a concept that suggests “that all humans have needs that exist on a hierarchy.” This theory consists of a pyramid, with the lowest level describing the physiological needs of food, shelter, water, and rest. The next level is safety needs, which is security. An example of this would be having a house with locking doors and intrusion detection. Next are belonging and needs, which describe the need for relationships and friends. After that are esteem needs, which describes the feeling of accomplishment and confidence. Finally, self-actualization. This involves achieving one’s full potential. How can different digital experiences relate to this phenomena?
Firstly, physiological needs. My experiences with digital technology have satisfied this need by allowing me to order food, allowing me to check my bank account to see if I can afford food, allowing me to buy blankets online for warmth, and an application I use that reminds me to drink water. Second are safety needs. For this, I have utilized the weather app during major weather events to determine a course of action. For example, my county was under a tornado warning once with a severe threat level. My family and I ensured our safety by going into a safe room in the house with no windows. It was thanks to this digital experience that our safety was ensured and we were properly warned of this occurrence.
Third, belonging and love needs. I utilize technology everyday to communicate with my partner when we are at work, as well as to text my friends. Although I rarely use it, social media is another way that I stay connected with my friends and maintain relationships with them. Fourth, esteem needs. For this, I have a digital experience where I keep track of my goals in my notes app. I have a list of goals I want to achieve for each year, and one long list of goals I’d like to achieve by college. Each time I cross one of those off of my list, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. Finally, self-actualization. I have used my digital device to read several books on self-help, listened to helpful podcasts, and to listen to meditation soundtracks. I also have an app on my phone that limits my screen time on certain apps in order to maintain peak productivity and limit my social media use. Although this is not an immediate process and I have yet to reach the ultimate goal of self-actualization, these digital experiences have helped me inch closer to that.