Psychological Aspects of Human Behavior During Attacks Using Unmanned Aerial Systems

This article examines the psychological aspects of human behavior during attacks using unmanned aerial systems. It is concluded that their widespread adoption in the civilian and military sectors is accompanied by an increased risk of malicious use, necessitating the development of effective measures to protect the population. Particular attention is paid to factors influencing psychological states, such as the lack of visual contact with the operator, which creates the feeling of an «invisible pursuer», and the acoustic properties of unmanned aerial systems, which provoke anxiety, panic, and reduce the accuracy of decision-making. The phenomenon of «dronophobia» is noted as a specific anxiety disorder arising in response to the impact of unmanned aerial systems. The mechanisms of the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive states, and generalized anxiety in individuals exposed to drone attacks or living in areas where they are regularly used are analyzed. Age-related characteristics of psychological responses are considered, including the increased vulnerability of children and the elderly. The paper substantiates the difficulty of predicting individual reactions, necessitating a comprehensive approach to ensuring safety. A multi-layered risk mitigation strategy is proposed, including regulatory and technological solutions, improved operational practices for unmanned aerial systems, and improved physical protection methods.