INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE POWERED BY THE DCA
Maslow ’ s hierarchy of needs provides a useful framework for examining how technology is transforming the way we live and interact with the world around us .
Maslow ’ s hierarchy of needs
to counter this , many employers are now finding that some of those entering the workplace lack essential social and practical skills .
Maslow ’ s theory has , in jest , been drawn up with a zeroth level showing Wi-Fi before any of the physiological needs to highlight the fact that we tend to always need to be online . It is essential to balance our online and offline lives to fulfil our needs adequately . But we need to be intentional about the way we use technology and ensure that it aligns with our values and goals . We must also be mindful of the positive and negative impacts that our online activities have on our mental health and well-being .
The digital age has also created new opportunities for creativity and selfexpression . Social media platforms have made it possible for individuals to share their work with a global audience and the Internet has made it easier to find likeminded individuals and build communities around shared interests . The digital age has also made it possible for individuals to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams , regardless of their location or arguably their socioeconomic status . uncertainties around real personas in a virtual environment .
It ’ s true that social networking sites like LinkedIn have made it easier for professionals to network and find job opportunities . However , social media can also create a sense of instant gratification
Jon Summers , Research Lead at RI . SE & DCA Advisory Board Member
The digital age has also created new opportunities for creativity and self-expression .
and a constant need for validation , which can hinder the fulfilment of these needs . The need to be ‘ liked ’ or ‘ messaged ’ – it is well understood that social media platforms drive surges of dopamine to the brain to keep consumers coming back again and again .
Finally , the need for self-actualisation has also been impacted by the digital age . Online learning platforms have made it easier to access educational resources from anywhere in the world . Crowdfunding platforms have made it possible to finance creative projects and bring new ideas to life . However , the constant distractions and interruptions of the digital world can make it challenging to focus on long-term goals . Nonetheless ,
However , the digital age has created new challenges , including the need for better digital literacy and critical thinking skills . The digital world has changed rapidly and many people , especially parents , have concerns about their children and the fact that so much of their lives are spent online ; others comment that the digital world will be some kind of idyllic world with access to free information .
As Aldous Huxley wrote in his novel Brave New World , ‘ Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted ’. We need to be mindful and not take for granted the relevance that technology has on our lives and take steps to mitigate any negative effects .
In the end , it will be up to us to use technology in a way that enriches our lives and fulfils our needs while mitigating any negative effects .
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