The Basic Human Needs in the Age of Technology
As technology evolves, so do our basic human needs. Bahgat Expert examines how digital tools like the internet and mobile phones have become integral to modern life, while also posing challenges to our independence and mental health.
Ahmed Bahgat
AI & ICT Consultant · Certified Technical Expert (UAE)
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In 1954, American psychologist Abraham Maslow introduced the 'Hierarchy of Needs', which included physiological needs, safety, social belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. Today, in 2025, we must re-examine this framework to understand the true essential needs of a human being in our current age. The primary keyword here is the evolution of basic human needs in the digital age.
The Digital Shift in Basic Needs
From Bahgat Expert's perspective, the basic needs of a person in today’s world have dramatically evolved. Foremost among these is the absolute dependency on the internet, digital technology, and the mobile phone, needs that have become as fundamental as water and air. This shift prompts us to question why modern technology has taken such deep-rooted control over the contemporary human mind.
The Evolution of Needs
Gradual growth in human awareness is a natural phenomenon. With the passage of time, human civilization has witnessed exponential technological development aimed at making life easier. These advancements have significantly influenced human behavior, reshaping priorities and redefining needs. In recent decades, particularly in the United States, numerous startups built on simple but innovative tech ideas have transformed their founders into billionaires. Examples include Elon Musk (Tesla), Jensen Huang (Nvidia), Mark Zuckerberg (Meta/Facebook), and Larry Ellison (Oracle). Their success stories have inspired a generation to view technology as a gateway to quick wealth and global impact.
Challenges in the Arab World
However, the issue in the Arab world lies in the lack of supporting elements, education, investment, infrastructure, that enable young people to translate vision into sustainable success. This lack of support hinders the ability to leverage technology effectively.
The Other Side of the Coin
Unfortunately, the misuse of technology has turned us from users into products. Instead of serving us, technology has, in some instances, started to control us by collecting our personal data, analyzing our behavior, and turning us into targeted profiles for advertising and profit. This raises the question: Is technology truly a basic need, or is it controlling us under the guise of serving us?
Expert Opinions on Technology as a Basic Need
Why Some Believe Technology Is Now Essential
Technology is seen as a means of survival. Social media, remote work, online education, digital banking, and telemedicine now rely heavily on internet access. Without it, individuals face social and functional isolation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the internet was the only lifeline for communication, work, and accessing basic services. Additionally, internet connectivity is now considered as critical as traditional needs like food, shelter, and safety, enabling access to all other needs.
Why Others Disagree
Critics argue that digital addiction threatens mental health, causing reduced attention spans, social detachment, and increased rates of anxiety and depression. They maintain that technology is a tool, not a necessity like air or water. While modern life is difficult without it, humans can technically survive without it. Furthermore, complete reliance on digital systems makes people vulnerable to cyberattacks, system failures, and data manipulation. A world without electricity or internet for just 24 hours would result in unprecedented chaos.
Conclusion: Balancing Technology and Humanity
From Bahgat Expert's point of view, it all boils down to awareness and balance. Technology has undoubtedly reshaped our definition of 'basic needs', but the danger lies in letting it erode our humanity. The answer may lie in acknowledging its importance while remaining aware of its risks, educating future generations to use it wisely, and bridging the digital divide. Ensuring no one is left behind is a collective responsibility of Arab governments, communities, and institutions to invest in a supportive ecosystem for tech innovation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic human needs according to Maslow?
According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the basic human needs are physiological needs, safety, social belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization.
How has technology become a basic need?
Technology, particularly the internet and mobile devices, has become essential for communication, work, education, and accessing services, making it as fundamental as traditional needs like food and shelter.
What challenges does the Arab world face in tech innovation?
The Arab world faces challenges such as lack of education, investment, and infrastructure, which hinder young people from translating vision into sustainable success in tech innovation.
What are the risks of digital addiction?
Digital addiction can lead to reduced attention spans, social detachment, and increased rates of anxiety and depression, posing significant mental health risks.
Is technology a tool or a necessity?
While some argue that technology is a tool and not a necessity like air or water, its integral role in modern life makes it difficult to live without.
- Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is being re-evaluated in the digital age.
- Technology has become as essential as traditional basic needs.
- The Arab world faces challenges in leveraging technology effectively.
- Digital addiction poses mental health risks.
- Balancing technology use and human needs is crucial.
