As most medical professionals are aware, the fiber masks that people wear to protect them from viruses are largely ineffective. Although they may block an infected person from spreading the virus though a sneeze or cough they do not protect healthy people from the primary method of transfer which is hand contact with infected surfaces. Once a contaminated hand makes contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth the virus can quickly enter the bloodstream. This is why doctors use hand sanitizer rather than masks to protect themselves.
The masks seem to serve a cultural superstition that by wearing the mask a person is protected from infection by other people which is not true.
A mask is a good reminder not to touch your face, at least.
I agree the masks are a social thing and basically useless. I read recently that the social pressure to wear them in Asia is based on the logic that they block the exhalations, sneezes, and coughs of the wearer. In other words, people wear them not for themselves but for others. It’s considered impolite not to wear one.