Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in the 21st Century

By Akshaya Kotapati

In life, people are always on a journey seeking something—good grades, money, dream jobs, and more. These pursuits come from the needs we hope to fulfill. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that explains human motivation and what people require to live fulfilled lives. It’s often shown as a pyramid with five levels: physiological needs, safety, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

Since society is always changing, Maslow’s theory is understood a little differently today. According to Laura Copley, Ph.D., in “Hierarchy of Needs: A 2024 Take on Maslow’s Findings”, the modern version acts as a “flexible and culturally sensitive tool for addressing the complex needs of individuals in a rapidly changing world.” The article explores how new lifestyles, technologies, and challenges affect the way we meet our needs. Below, I’ll reflect on each level through this modern lens.

1. Physiological Needs

Maslow’s first level includes survival basics like food, water, and sleep. But today, quality matters just as much as access. As Copley notes, “Modern habits and conveniences…may hinder their fulfillment.” One common example is sleep—something many of us, including myself, sacrifice by staying up too late on our devices. To truly meet these needs, we must confront habits that keep us from being physically healthy.

2. Safety Needs

Beyond survival, people need safety—traditionally physical safety, but now also job and financial security. For me, I imagine wanting a stable job that supports me long term, though factors like the economy make that uncertain. Copley suggests that “Acknowledging and addressing these fears can help ease clients’ anxiety and improve their overall wellbeing.” In other words, part of safety today is learning to cope with the stress of instability.

3. Belonging

Humans are social, and belonging remains essential. Yet how we connect has shifted. As the article notes, “Social media, online communities, and the fast pace of modern life all influence how we connect with others.” While online interaction can be helpful, it can also bring isolation. Personally, I enjoy exchanging social media with new people, but I feel most fulfilled when I’m with friends in person. Belonging, in today’s world, comes from finding the balance that works for each person.

4. Esteem

Esteem means respect and confidence for oneself. In today’s competitive culture, especially with academics and social media, comparison makes self-esteem harder to build. Like many students, I often feel pressure to impress parents, teachers, and peers. Copley highlights the importance of “healthy ambition” and internal validation. True esteem comes from setting goals that matter personally, rather than measuring success against others.

5. Self-Actualization

At the top of the hierarchy is self-actualization—realizing one’s potential. This can mean pursuing passions, creating art, or taking on new challenges. Today, it’s less of a final destination and more of an ongoing process. Copley explains it as “a continuous journey of growth, learning, and adaptation.” For me, starting college will be a chance to explore interests, make mistakes, and grow. Self-actualization is about embracing lifelong learning and discovery.

Conclusion

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs shows us the path toward fulfillment, but in the 21st century, each step looks different. Technology, culture, and modern challenges create new ways to meet—and sometimes block—our needs. Still, the core idea remains: from basic health to self-growth, we are always moving through stages of becoming.

Work Cited

Copley, Laura, and Alicia Nortje. “Hierarchy of Needs: A 2024 Take on Maslow's Findings.” Positive Psychology, 8 January 2024, https://positivepsychology.com/hierarchy-of-needs/. Accessed 14 August 2025.