[Goose]

The studies generally and consistently support mask wearing, but all the studies have weaknesses.  It's enough for me to wear masks routinely and to encourage others to wear them, especially, as someone else mentioned in this thread, when you consider the risk/benefit.  There is basically no risk, and a potentially large benefit, so it looks like it should be a no-brainer.


BC

I completely agree with this analysis. However, I  believe that it is CRITICAL that our society understand and honor another point. Even if I remained unconvinced masks help, I would wear them. There are regulations in place saying I have to do so when going to the store etc. While it would be great if everyone would wear masks because they were convinced it was a good idea, or at least not a bad idea, society can't function that way. Some people are going to disagree. These people may be totally irrational. In this case, one can even rationally question the benefit. That doesn't matter. We can't successfully live together if everybody believes they have the right to in each and every case chose what policy they will follow.

Unfortunately at present our society at large appears to believe that if they don't personally endorse a given policy, it is their unconditional right to simply ignore that policy. This problem crosses the entire political spectrum, left, right whatever. No society can function without rules. Our society attempts to have as few rules as possible, which I think most of us endorse. However, that isn't "no rules". Some things you have to do because that is the decision our chosen leaders have made. Period. Wearing masks is one of those rules.

I would only add that common sense militates in favor of wearing a mask because it's hard to see it not helping.  It may not be preventive, but it has to help reduce spread . . . some.

While I totally agree with you here, we have to be a bit careful. There are quite a few examples in history of things that were basically regarded as "common sense" turning out to be completely wrong. Even the "no down side" argument could turn out to be wrong (though I don't see how, but...). I for one think that it is a good idea to wear a mask. I even do it outside, more as a symbol than a necessity. The important point is that public policy right now is that you must wear one in public when social distancing is impossible, i.e. when shopping etc. Even if I think it is stupid, I still have to do it.

[Goose]

The studies generally and consistently support mask wearing, but all the studies have weaknesses.  It's enough for me to wear masks routinely and to encourage others to wear them, especially, as someone else mentioned in this thread, when you consider the risk/benefit.  There is basically no risk, and a potentially large benefit, so it looks like it should be a no-brainer.


BC

I completely agree with this analysis. However, I  believe that it is CRITICAL that our society understand and honor another point. Even if I remained unconvinced masks help, I would wear them. There are regulations in place saying I have to do so when going to the store etc. While it would be great if everyone would wear masks because they were convinced it was a good idea, or at least not a bad idea, society can't function that way. Some people are going to disagree. These people may be totally irrational. In this case, one can even rationally question the benefit. That doesn't matter. We can't successfully live together if everybody believes they have the right to in each and every case chose what policy they will follow.

Unfortunately at present our society at large appears to believe that if they don't personally endorse a given policy, it is their unconditional right to simply ignore that policy. This problem crosses the entire political spectrum, left, right whatever. No society can function without rules. Our society attempts to have as few rules as possible, which I think most of us endorse. However, that isn't "no rules". Some things you have to do because that is the decision our chosen leaders have made. Period. Wearing masks is one of those rules.

I would only add that common sense militates in favor of wearing a mask because it's hard to see it not helping.  It may not be preventive, but it has to help reduce spread . . . some.

While I totally agree with you here, we have to be a bit careful. There are quite a few examples in history of things that were basically regarded as "common sense" turning out to be completely wrong. Even the "no down side" argument could turn out to be wrong (though I don't see how, but...). I for one think that it is a good idea to wear a mask. I even do it outside, more as a symbol than a necessity. The important point is that public policy right now is that you must wear one in public when social distancing is impossible, i.e. when shopping etc. Even if I think it is stupid, I still have to do it.