Digital Navigation: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Author: Jason Kronemeyer
Date: 2025-05-20

Research Notes:
These are preliminary research notes and may be updated.

Digital Navigator Definition and Model for Digital Inclusion

In 2020, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) established a definition for the term “digital navigator.” This model for digital inclusion has evolved over the years to meet community needs and continues to adapt to new challenges.[1]

Core Elements of the Digital Navigator Model

  1. Flexibility and Adaptability: The digital navigator model is designed to be easily replicated and adaptable to various contexts and target populations.
  2. Evolution and Community Needs: The model has evolved to address community needs and organizational capacities, such as helping with affordability programs and dedicating more time to digital skills training.[1]
  3. Holistic Support: Digital navigators provide comprehensive, personalized support through ongoing interactions.[1]
  4. Variety of Roles: Support services may be offered under different titles, such as digital navigators, digital coordinators, digital ambassadors, and digital coaches.
  5. Diverse Populations: They serve a wide range of populations, including tribal elders, seniors, people with disabilities, justice-impacted individuals, migrants, refugees, students, and caregivers.[1]

Digital Navigator Model and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

The digital navigator model aligns well with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, addressing various levels of human motivation and aspiration.[2][3][4]

Key Relationships

  • Physiological Needs: Digital navigators help individuals meet basic needs by supporting access to essential online services such as healthcare, food assistance, and housing resources.[1][2]
  • Safety Needs: By ensuring secure internet access and educating users on online safety, digital navigators contribute to a sense of security and stability.[1][2]
  • Love and Belonging: Digital navigators foster community connections by helping individuals stay in touch with family and friends, and participate in social networks.[1][2]
  • Esteem: Through digital literacy training and support, digital navigators empower individuals, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.[1][2][3]
  • Self-Actualization: By providing access to educational resources and opportunities for personal growth, digital navigators help individuals achieve their full potential.[1][2][3][4]

The model has been adapted by many organizations to meet the unique needs of their communities, demonstrating its versatility and importance in promoting digital inclusion.[1]

References

[1] Zappie-Ferradino, K. (2024). Updated Digital Navigator Definition and New Standards. Digital Navigator News. Retrieved from (https://www.digitalnavigatornews.org/updated-definition-and-new-standards)

[2] McLeod, S. (2024). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Simply Psychology. Retrieved from (https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html)

[3] Maslow, A. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation. Psychological Review, 50, 370-396. Retrieved from (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow’s_hierarchy_of_needs)

[4] Verywell Mind. (2024). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved from (https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760)

BibTeX

@article{zappie-ferradino2024digital,
  title={Updated Digital Navigator Definition and New Standards},
  author={Kristi Zappie-Ferradino},
  year={2024},
  journal={Digital Navigator News},
  month={June},
  url={https://www.digitalnavigatornews.org/updated-definition-and-new-standards}
}

@article{mcleod2024maslow,
  title={Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs},
  author={Saul McLeod},
  year={2024},
  journal={Simply Psychology},
  url={https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html}
}

@article{maslow1943motivation,
  title={A Theory of Human Motivation},
  author={Abraham Maslow},
  year={1943},
  journal={Psychological Review},
  volume={50},
  pages={370-396},
  url={https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs}
}

@article{verywell2024maslow,
  title={Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs},
  year={2024},
  journal={Verywell Mind},
  url={https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760}
}