Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that categorizes human needs into a hierarchy, with basic physiological needs at the bottom and higher-order psychological needs at the top.
Physiological need are the basic survival needs, such as food, water, and shelter. When it comes to the digital connection, access to technology has became one of the necessities to meet these physiological needs. For example, you have doordash and grubhub that will deliver your food and water to your door.
Safety needs include personal security, employment, health, and property. The biggest safety need that we have that includes technology is our home security system. It keeps us safe while we are asleep at night. Also, smart watches with the sensors that detect if you are going into arterial fibrillation are essential to safety.
Love and belongingness is the need for social interactions and relationships. This is a no brainer. We have online dating apps, social media, messaging apps and more that all connect you to other people, giving you access to all the relationships that you could ever ask for.
Esteem needs involve self-esteem, confidence, and recognition. Technology plays a role in esteem needs through platforms for personal expression, achievement recognition, and skill development.
Self-actualization is the fulfillment of personal potential, self-improvement, and the desire to become the most one can be. Technology supports self-actualization through online learning platforms, educational resources, and access to information that fosters personal growth. Creative tools, such as digital design software or programming languages, enable individuals to express their creativity and pursue their passions.
Reflecting on my experiences with technology, it’s evident that digital tools and platforms have become integral to meeting various needs in Maslow’s Hierarchy. From basic survival needs to the pursuit of personal growth and self-actualization, technology plays a multifaceted role in enhancing and fulfilling these aspects of human life.