Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a theory that explains human motivation revolves around
five “needs” ranging from the most basic of corporeal desires to more intangible wants.
Modern technology with its reliance on the internet brings us closer and further away from
each other at the same time. You can communicate with more people than ever before;
however, a large portion of those interactions are essentially avatars of real people or
programs designed to mimic human interaction. The threats that can harm you are less
physically imposing however they can come from more angles of attack surfaces such as
hackers. Modern problems require modern solutions, and in turn modern needs demand
to be looked at through a modern lens.
With Physical needs, technology has essentially made the energy output of acquiring those
needs lower than they have ever been in human history. Food can be ordered on apps and
already prepared with very little physical exertion from the average person. I am never in
danger of thirst due to the access of purified water accessible through purchase or through
free consumption in water dispensaries. Safety needs are also at less energy cost. Homes
and cars have safety features that can be built in deter potential threats as well as
punishing threat actors. This could be in the form of home surveillance that will alert me of
potential treats or display scare tactics to let intruders know the risk of attacking.
In terms of Love and Belonging needs, multiple communication devices have given us
almost unlimited access to communication with friends and family no matter the distance.
Facetime and OoVoo could be used to give more of a personal form of communication as
they allow us to see our loved ones without the disconnection of just hearing their voices.
Social Media, like Instagram, can also create hubs to meet new people as well as allowing
others to share ideas with communities about shared interests. Social media can also be
used for the Esteem needs, however fitness apps such as Strava are an example of how I
have used technology to gain recognition and respect from others in a more specialized
activity. This is usually achieved by clearing leaderboards and being applauded for my
efforts by other runners on the app. Lastly with Self Actualization needs, modern
technology has given the average person multiple avenues to achieve the best versions of
their selves. This can be accomplished through online programs that offer flexible schedules such as the class that we are in now. This continence allows people to complete multiple tasks at the same time, which can greatly increase their accomplishments.