Erick Miyares | Ep 18
The Psychological Impact of Technology Use in Cyber Warfare.
In this episode, we explore the psychological impact of technology use in cyber warfare in the Armed Forces Intelligence Units. Eric Miyares reveals the psychological toll of cyber warfare operations, detailing operator stress, cognitive overload, and the future of operational CyberPsychology.
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Erick Miyares

Erick is a veteran of the US Marines and Army Special Operations Intelligence. Now has retired from the forces he has pivoted into researching the impact of cyber warfare on the psychology of ‘Interactive Operators’.
In the shiny new field of Operational CyberPsychology, Erick is pioneering a pathway into the psychological impact of those who deal with the cognitive and emotional strain of cyber warfare.
Even though he is a veteran, he continues to serve his country by psychologically supporting those who are still engaged in international operations.
In this episode Eric talks about his passion for cyberpsychology that emerged from very personal experiences. After losing friends to suicide and reflecting on his own cognitive struggles upon retirement, he realised there were deeper mental health and cognitive concerns linked to continuous high-stakes technology use in military settings.
The Rise of Operational CyberPsychology
Eric highlights a growing need for “operational cyberpsychology” in the military. This perspective takes established knowledge about physically demanding roles – such as pilots and infantry troops – and applies similar research methods to those who engage in digital or ‘cyberspace’ operations. Eric argues that we understand the physiology of fighter pilots and submariners but lack insights into the cognitive and psychological burdens on cyber operators who wage war with keyboards and code.
Cyberspace Operator Syndrome
Drawing inspiration from the concept of “Operator Syndrome” (originally used to describe the constellation of physical and mental health issues experienced by special forces), Eric proposes a related idea: cyberspace operator syndrome. This syndrome accounts for the chronic stress, burnout, rumination, and moral injury that can afflict those working to infiltrate or defend networks. Traditional thinking may see cyber operators as “desk-bound,” but Eric’s research shows they shoulder enormous responsibility, from pressing the ‘Enter’ key to launch a virtual offensive to preventing adversaries from breaching critical systems.
The Extended Mind
Eric and other researchers draw on the idea that using computers can effectively transport an operator’s consciousness into a different domain. When a cyber operator is deeply engaged with adversary systems, their sense of self can become “disembodied,” merging with the online space in real time. This immersion, Eric explains, amplifies stress and heightens the psychological stakes – especially when errors could jeopardise mission success or even cost lives.
Future Directions & Broader Implications
Eric hopes his research will translate into concrete changes within defence and intelligence communities. He envisions new guidelines on assessing, selecting, and training cyber operators, alongside more holistic support for mental health and resilience. His work also complements other researchers, like Todd Fletcher (focusing on cyber security professionals) and Dr Marshall S. Rich (examining the psychology of cybercriminals).
By exploring varied angles—defence, offence, and criminal behaviour—these experts collectively map the complex human dimensions behind our interconnected digital world.
Ultimately, Eric’s story and studies underscore the fact that, whether it’s a drone pilot, a special operations analyst, or a defensive cyber team, modern warfare is as much a psychological battleground as a physical or virtual one. Through ongoing research and collaboration, Eric hopes to ensure the well-being of those who protect our networks – and, by extension, the rest of us.
You can read more about Erick’s journey into Operator CyberPsychology in his LinkedIn blog from August 2024: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7233880137191075841/.