During the bachelor’s courses or during high school courses, the pyramid of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has been discussed. This model is mainly product-focused, as in posessing or buying the needs. Nowadays, we’re moving towards a use-economy. This development is noticeable when we look at the rise of internet applications. More importantly, all of Maslow’s needs can be satisfied through these internet applications. This blog post will try to explain how internet applications satisfy these needs of Maslow’s pyramid.
In terms of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the physiological need of shelter can be satisfied through airbnb. Airbnb is a platform that allows users to share their empty rooms or other accommodations. There is no need to “own” a home anymore, airbnb can replace this for you. In terms of safety and security, many different IT applications can monitor your environment and send alerts when a safety breach occurs. For instance, IP-camera’s allow you to see what’s happening in real-time through your smartphone. Additionally, they can send notifications to your neighbours when a thief breaks into your house while you’re on vacation. The app can notify your neighbours, but it can also call the police in some instances.
Tinder or other dating apps allow you to find love and belonging, wherever you are. For self-esteem and reputation, social media apps can satisfy that need. Nowadays, there are so-called “influencers”, people with a high number of followers on social media; gaining reputation and esteem. Lastly, self-actualization can also be satisfied through internet applications. Smartphone apps like peak or memorado train your brain, increasing your cognitive skills.
In conclusion, the tradtitional needs of Maslow can be satisfied by internet applications. Some examples are extreme, such as living in airbnb houses rather than owning a home, but it shows which direction we could be headed in terms of the use-economy.
