Maslow’s Hierarchy of the Internet
July 18, 2007 3 Comments
I found an interesting blog post the other day on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Training and education professional are no doubt familiar with the hierarchy:
(From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs.svg)
Tueksta (the blog’s author) came up with this hierarchy of the Internet user’s needs based on Maslow’s theory:
- Need for self-actualization – User becomes an active member of the Internet community (web 2.0)
- Need for respect – Not fully realized yet, but the idea that you as person add value to the communities you belong to.
- Need for social life – user interacts with virtual communities like forums and virtual communities.
- Need of security – Protection from viruses, identity theft, data loss, etc.
- Need of infrastructure – Power, computer, Internet connection, etc.
The levels are Tueksta’s idea, the summaries I wrote based on his blog post. Just remember the last item in the list is the first level, once that is fulfilled, you move up the list. The post is pretty short and worth reading. I think he pretty much captured the essence of the development of online communities and Web 2.0. His hierarchy pretty much followed my personal development. I’m not sure where I am in the Internet Hierarchy, probably somewhere near the top since I do have a blog and actively contribute to the elearning community. I also have some measure of respect (or like to think I do).
My generation certainly faced challenges in the first three levels, especially the first two. I remember being frustrated with dial-up connections before broadband was readily available. At that time I was on a Mac, so many of the viruses didn’t impact me. I’ve been very careful about security and have been pretty lucky to this point. I feel secure online and don’t worry that much about data loss (although the thought is always in my subconscious). I wonder how my children will progress. They seem to be jumping right to the third level because I’ve taken care of the first two for them.
With all the social networking sites around, the lines between the top three levels seem to be blurring. That’s OK, it’s just a model, but an insightful one. Thanks Tueska.
Original blog post: http://thoughtsnessays.blogspot.com/2007/07/necessidades-maslow-online.html
Digg the post: http://digg.com/tech_deals/The_development_of_the_Internet_according_to_Maslow_s_Hierarchy_of_Needs
eLearning Development News 
This is interesting. I’m familiar with Maslow’s Hierarchy, but not the internet being involved. Maybe I’m thinking of something different.
Ned,
Maslow published his theory long before the Internet existed. The post by Tueska compares Maslow’s Hierarchy to the needs of Internet users in their online life, not life in general.
Superb site you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics
talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get feedback from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you!