“Maslow called the bottom four levels 'deficiency needs.' He claims that the lower needs, such as the need for food, safety, love, and esteem are needs that humans cannot do without. A deficiency in any of these interferes with one’s psychological health and so one might react defensively, or at times, irrationally, from a place of weakness rather than strength. And so, consciously or unconsciously, one works to fill these needs – literally or symbolically.” (Pursuitofhappiness.org 2022)
The top, self actualization, is the point people reach after attaining the levels below - it is what “peak experiences” are; true happiness (2022)
How Has Tech Changed Our Needs?
Maslow's Theory is our most basic needs are irreplaceable by technology. However, is that to remain true in the digital era?
"According to the World Economic Forum Digital Media and Society report, innovations in technology and digital media have altered 'the very fabric of daily life' (World Economic Forum, 2016). Additionally, in July 2016 the United Nations declared that online freedom is a 'human right' and issued a declaration." (LinkedIn, 2018)
Social Media and Digital Communication Changes our Needs
Tech and mental health
“Child psychiatrist Dr. Victoria Dunckley termed the condition “Electronic Screen Syndrome” to characterize this disorder of dysregulation. Children can exhibit irritability, anxiety, depression, excessive tantrums, and impairments at school, home or with peers. Some children even experience short-term memory problems and cognitive decline” (MCHC Health Centers 2018)
Social Media and Depression
"Individuals with more depression symptoms used social media more often. 29% of those who engaged in at least 58 social media sessions had high depression symptoms, compared to 19% of those who engaged in 8 or fewer social media sessions per week. Similarly, only 16% of those who engaged in 58 or more social media sessions per week had low depression symptoms, compared to 36% of those who engaged in 8 or fewer sessions per week." (Clearvue Health, 2019)
Are there positive benefits to social medis use?
Florence Breslin discuesses lots of interesting points as to why screen time is not always a bad thing.
- Brain research from kids 8-12, show that there’s different rates of brain maturation depending on the different types of screen activities. It was observed that the frontal cortex develops faster for kids that spend more time playing video games.
- Breslin's research also found that Kids between 9-10 who use social media have reported less sleep problems and more physical activity than some of their peers.
- The only time screens and screen time has been linked to behavioral and mental issues is when there are already underlying issues to start.
"If your child is struggling, don’t assume it is just the screen time: look at environment, health, social interactions, and other various factors." (Breslin, 2020)
Blue light and sleep disturbances
Blue light is beneficial in the daytime, but when exposed to at night, it can negatively affect the circadian rhythm - “body’s biological clock” (Harvard Health 2020)
Exposure to light suppresses releasing process of melatonin, a hormone that is significant for the circadian rhythm, so many people can have less sleep than normal. And less sleep is correlated with risks of diabetes, depression, and cardiovascular issues. (2020)
Finding A Healthy Balance
- Our needs and communication outlets are changing prompting a need for adaptation.
- "The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has taken a firm stance on screen time, recommending less than 2 hours of screen time for children ages 3 to 18 and no screen time for children younger than 2 years"
- "parents, teachers, caregivers and role models, we can help children tremendously by setting good examples."(MCHC Health Centers, 2018)
- Use dim red lighting at night, as it is less likely to negatively affect the circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin (Harvard Health, 2020)
- Avoid bright screens 2-3 hours before sleeping (2020)
- Seek out bright light during day, which will help with sleep cycle and improve mood and alertness during the day (2020)
Digital communication must be moderated and thoughtful to garner a beneficial relationship.
Works Cited:
Team Members: Liam Dworkin, Angel Darling, Morgann Critchett
NMD 200 Professor Jon Ippolito
(Pursuit of Happiness) https://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/abraham-maslow/
(LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/maslow-digital-age-caitriona-brady
(Clearview Health) https://www.clearvuehealth.com/b/social-media-depression/
(Breslin) https://www.ted.com/talks/florence_breslin_screen_time_is_it_really_all_bad
(MCHC Health Centers) https://mchcinc.org/health-matters-news/health-matters-excessive-screen-time-linked-to-anxiety-depression-adhd-and-obesity-in-children/
(Harvard Health) https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side
Credits:
Created with images by G. Lombardo - "Social network concept. Like, love, wow and smile icons pop up from smartphone screen. Young people addicted to social media apps. Unrecognizable people." • Tiko - "Concept of using a smartphone for social media"