Maslow was an American psychologist known for being one of the founders and main authors of the humanist school of thought, which postulates that there is a basic tendency towards mental health that is achieved through a series of continuous processes of self-realization and self-actualization. A perfect parallel can be drawn between these needs and the social networks that may be able to cover them. Let's see:
Self-realization needs: morality, creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, lack of prejudice, acceptance of facts. These needs can be covered with blogging platforms such as Blogger, WordPress and Tumblr, ideal for expressing oneself in depth and without space limitations.
Esteem needs: self-esteem, confidence, achievements, respect for oneself and for others. Twitter is the perfect social network to cover these types of needs.
Belonging needs: friendship, family and sexual contacts. The general managers email list ideal platforms for socializing are Google+ and Facebook.
Security needs: personal security, employment and economic stability. Linkedin is ideal for making work relationships, getting a job and getting directly involved with company representatives.
Psychological needs: breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, homeostasis, excretion. Experts say that the most basic needs can be summed up in a smartphone with an Internet connection.
Without a doubt, there is a direct relationship between the idea of seeking affinity between Maslow's Pyramid with social networks and the Theory of Uses and Gratifications. Social media platforms involve entertainment (they cover the need for distraction and satisfaction at a personal level), social relationships (being part of a group of like-minded individuals and playing a certain role), identity (the projection of physical and psychological aspects that are made on social networks) and finally surveillance (the need to keep the profile updated and share information with the rest of the users).
It is more than obvious that social networks are tools that spread happiness, well-being, generosity and even love. They exert a direct and indirect influence that can be decisive when it comes to making decisions, actions, desires, feelings and thoughts.
Definitely, social networks have become a fundamental aspect of the life of a significant percentage of human beings and their influence does not escape psychological studies. Are you a regular user of Facebook, Twitter or Instagram? Surely yes! Work, family and personal relationships have an important space in 2.0 platforms. What will be the next step?