Why Web2.0 is exactly what we wanted
There is a strong similarity between how the web has evolved and how Maslow’s theory of human needs is often visualized.
In the beginning the web was a place where you consumed. You consumed information from news websites and real products at those early e-commerce sites. Your security was not a problem until the Web became the domain of spammers and virus distributors. Enter firewalls and anti-virus programs.
After this fase of Web 1.0, the web became social. Just like people do when their basic needs are fulfilled. In this fase belonging to a community is what we all strive for. Online AND offline it seems.
You can belong to a family but also to a online community, turning strangers into best friends. I have earlier referred to this as the internet being the global campfire.
After these four conditions have been taken care off, one gets to express himself. So from “connecting” on facebook, we start to blog, to podcast and to twitter. What we get in return for this self expression is the respect by others in the form of comments, ratings and kudos.
To conclude: we’re climbing up the Pyramide. I guess we’re stuck half way and we need to work on Web3.0 and Web4.0 to see the Internet’s enlightenment.
8. June, 2009 at 20:29
This is an interesting metaphor, though there are some complications. For example, security remains a big issue on the web, which would seem to relate to the safety level, in that many people still struggle with perceptions of insecurity and lack of privacy on the web - seems like this relates to a more fundamental level of Maslow’s hierarchy.
6. December, 2009 at 22:02
[...] from this criticism one could say that Maslow gives us a very clear framework to look at the satisfaction with our lives in relation to the [...]