Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a psychology theory that suggest the humans are motivated by specific needs. These needs are organized in five principle categories: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem and self-actualization needs. In personal terms, technology for me has been vital for more than 20 years.
Starting with physiological needs technology has been an indispensable tool, especially during pandemic. As a high-risk individual, my needs were met by using technology in terms of being able to provide for my family food, medicine and shelter. The ability to order food online and received it at my door, as well as medicines was a life saver for me, literally. Paying my bills online reduce the physical contact with other people and reduce the risk for me of getting sick.
Technology help me meet my safety needs. After many years of being a Navy wife, I learned to breathe OPSec. The saying “loose lips sink ships” has been part of my daily life for more than 19 years. I learned how to create a code to speak to my husband when he was deployed and we needed communication. Also learned how to keep my family safe while he was gone and technology facilitated everything. There were times that we did not meet security because of hacking in systems that we thought secure and those times were stressful. Like receiving a letter of notification from a health facility we used was compromised and our information was out in the open.
In terms of relationship, my matrimony survived because of the constant communication via email and phone. Being separated from my husband constantly made technology vital for communication.
In terms of esteem, being able to continue my education through online classes has made a huge impact in my needs for constant learning. As a person with endless curiosity, having information the tip of my fingers is really gratifying.
Lastly, in terms of self-actualization, I have discovered new creative activities like photoshop images creation and wood burning. All in all, technology is a vital part of my daily life. Can I live without it? Yes, I can. Do I want to? No I don’t.