Da Vinci's notebook

A New Perspective on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Integrating AI and Post-pandemic Impacts

Human needs are never isolated; they pile up, shaping our behaviors, dreams, and even our future. The best way to understand this is through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This theory was proposed in 1943 by psychologist Abraham Maslow, which describes human needs in five levels: physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs. Maslow argued that lower-level needs must be satisfied before people can pursue higher-level needs.

With the evolution of technology, especially the advancement of AI and other new technologies, and the arrival of the global post-pandemic era, new interpretations and explanations have been given to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Let’s take a look at these new interpretations together.

Physiological needs

Physiological needs are the most basic part of the hierarchy, including food, sleep, breathing, and other basic physiological activities. In this regard, AI and other new technologies have significantly changed our way of life. For example, smart home systems can control indoor temperature, lighting, and other basic facilities. Smart refrigerators can automatically replenish food, and AI health trackers can monitor our sleep patterns and health status.

Safety Needs

Safety needs include personal health and welfare, economic security, and family safety. In this level of needs, AI and new technologies also play an important role. For instance, AI security systems can provide 24-hour protection in our homes and workplaces. In the post-pandemic era, AI also played a crucial role in tracking disease spread and vaccine distribution.

Social Needs

Social needs cover friendship, family, intimate relationships, and a sense of community. AI and new technologies have profound effects on this, especially in remote work and life during and after the pandemic. We maintain connections through various online platforms for work meetings, and even social activities. AI-driven social media platforms also allow us to connect with people around the world.

Esteem Needs

Esteem needs involve self-esteem, respect for others, and being respected by others. In this level of needs, AI and new technologies may pose some challenges because as AI becomes more prevalent, people might feel confused about their self-worth and the role of humans. However, AI also provides us with new opportunities, such as enhancing skills through online learning platforms, or creating personal brands to increase our influence in the digital world.

Self-actualization Needs

Self-actualization needs are the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, including the pursuit of personal growth and self-fulfillment. In this regard, AI and new technologies have created countless possibilities. For example, we can use AI to learn new languages, do creative writing, or conduct various researches. The pandemic also made us rethink our lifestyle and work style, providing us with new opportunities to achieve our self-actualization needs.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a powerful framework that not only helps us understand our needs and motivations but also helps us understand how new technologies, especially AI, shape our lives. However, we also need to realize that changes brought about by AI and new technologies have both positive and negative sides and may bring new challenges. Only by understanding this can we fully utilize these tools to meet our needs and ultimately achieve our self-actualization.

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