Review Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and explain how each level relates to your experiences with technology. Give specific examples of how your digital experiences relate to each level of need.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggests that everyone on this planet has needs which exist on the above diagram. The diagram is laid out so that as our lower needs are met, we are able to achieve higher ones. The top of the pyramid, self-actualization, is a need that everyone strives for but few barely reach. Below is an explanation of my experience with technology as it relates to the pyramid, from bottom to top.
Physiological needs: Technology has advanced in such a way that you can order food from your phone. Even more so, you can get food and groceries delivered to your home for a small fee. Technology has allowed me to have easy access to food, which I do more times than I can count. Just by clicking a button, my nearby restaurant already knows what I plan to order and quickly gets the food sent to me (as well as groceries when I find myself busy). Additionally, the internet provides a platform for millions of people to get together and share ideas. I have found different methods that have improved my sleep quality and ease of access to therapy to manage my anxiety. Through technology, I found ways to improve my quality of life by making things more accessible.
Safety needs: It comes as no surprise that technology has offered a plethora of resources that have improved the safety and security of those who utilize them. A great example would be home security technology like Ring doorbells and cameras. Most people I know, including myself, protect our homes with them. It’s made going out and about much easier because we’re aware of who’s at our door and when. Additionally, technology has advanced to such as level that people who are in immediate need of help can securely and secretly contact authorities. Through technology, I found a sense of safety through the different features offered to me.
Belongingness and love needs: In the real world, it’s easier to draw lines between different friend groups and cliques. This makes it difficult for people to bond with other people, especially in this social media driven society. However, the internet has offered a way for people to connect all across the globe. Nowadays, someone in the US can contact and become friends with someone in Japan. People can easily find the group of people they want to be apart of and don’t have to settle for the small world around them. Personally, some of my closest and best friends are ones I met over the internet. Even my current partner was met online. As someone who moved half a country away to pursue college, I also use the technology given to me to keep up with close family as if I haven’t left. Through technology, I was able to find friends and life-long companions who cared for me.
Esteem needs: It’s difficult to get compliments in the real world. It’s not impossible, but it’s safe to say it’s few and far between. Out of my entire life, outside of close friends and family, I can count on 2 hands how many compliments I’ve been given. That’s not just for looks either, it can relate to one’s own creativity or work ethic. However, technology and the internet has unleashed an plethora of places where people can share selfies or their own work and receive that esteem boost. When posting my artwork and writing, I received so many compliments and helpful tips that induced my feelings of accomplishment. Through technology, I was able to boost esteem for myself and my creative side.
Self-actualization: Like Maslow stated, very few people have reached this point in their life. I have yet to feel fully accomplished with what I’ve done in life and I know it’ll take time to reach that point. But having access to technology makes this goal even more plausible. I’ve witness hundreds of people go from nothing to something thanks to technology. A great example is a women on TikTok who wanted to produce a Korean animated film in the style if Disney. She started as one person sharing a goal and eventually became an international celebrity who brought representation to young children. Through technology, people can reach a point in their life where they feel fully accomplished.