The mask is a security blanket.
It's more like a talisman -- no, the mask is exactly like a talisman. The completely ineffective mask against a virus -- any virus -- is nothing more than a good luck charm or face-mounted amulet to ward off a Chinese evil spirit, Covid. You could wear the mask on a chain around your neck and have the same amount of protection/transmission as you do wearing it to dehumanize yourself and to hide your identity ... it's true social purpose.