According to Abraham Maslow, there are five hierarchical tiers to human needs. From bottom to top, in a pyramid shaped model they are as follows: Physiological needs, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. Technology fits into each one of these levels in my everyday daily life, from calculators to high-speed internet.

In the level of physiological needs, I use things like a microwave and a range for food, electricity for my house (shelter) and a washer/dryer for my clothes. For safety and security, I use things like vehicles to get to work, an online portal for my health tracking, and a computer at my job. Safety and security is probably the level that I need technology the most. Love and belonging is also an important facet, using sms messages to communicate with my family members and spouse. On the self-esteem level, I use a laptop and a cell phone to do schoolwork, and an iPad at work. These things give me a sense of achievement and confidence. For the last tier, self-actualization, I use tools and technology in my garage to make things and repair toys for my son.