Reflection on how Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs applies to modern digital life, especially through social media platforms like Tik Tok, Instagram, and Facebook. Explores how each level of need, from safety to esteem, is influenced by online behavior and technology use.
Nicholas Dorsey
June 16, 2025
Maslow Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that was formulated by Abraham Maslow in 1943. It classifies human motivation into five levels, which include physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs (McLeod, 2025). Maslow suggests that people should fulfill lower needs before they can advance to higher levels of development and realization. This model helps in understanding how individuals prioritize various areas of their lives. Technology has become very important in the modern world in addressing these needs. As a college student, I have found that various digital platforms and tools help me achieve every level of the Maslow hierarchy in my everyday life.
I find that my everyday use of technology can be categorized in the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs. Each of these phases of the model, such as the need to survive and the need for personal fulfilment, can be directly linked to my digital life on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit.
The physiological needs outlined in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and form the lowest level of the hierarchy, encompassing necessities such as food, water, and sleep. I use TikTok and Facebook frequently when I’m in a rush and need some quick meal ideas to help quench my hunger, particularly on hectic days of studying ahead. My phone alarm reminds me to attend classes, and sleep-tracking applications help me manage my sleep. I even get distracted by crumbs, and watching a few-minute-long TikTok makes me feel motivated. These are small digital actions that can satisfy my basic survival needs.
Next is the safety aspect, and technology provides me with significant support, making me feel secure. I usually share my location with my friends on my iMessages when I am coming home late at night. I access Facebook to view the weather and warning news on campus, especially during an emergency. Strong passwords and secure banking applications give me a sense of security about my money and myself. Facebook has at times informed me of what’s going on in my area back home, and I am prepared and aware.
Love and belonging are the third level of society, and this is attained by connecting online. I also use Facebook and Instagram to stay in touch with friends and relatives. I enjoy TikTok trends as a way to enhance my relationship with my classmates, thanks to the humor and shared experiences they offer. TikTok allows you to have a fun collaborative project with your roommates, such as decorating the room or planning an event. These relationships make me feel accepted and stable socially and emotionally.
Regarding esteem needs, I am proud when a person likes my Instagram posts or my respective post on Facebook or TikTok. The fact that people comment on my social media posts positively makes me feel good about myself. Reddit boards also help me to realize my goals and achievements, which makes me believe in myself.
The final need that I can satisfy is self-actualization, which I can achieve by developing myself and sharing my thoughts and experiences on digital platforms. I observe educational TikToks, write down what I plan to do, and anticipate the next steps. Technology helps me to learn more about myself and what I would wish to create.
Reference:
McLeod, S. (2025, March 14). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html