volunbeer wrote: “The studies prior to the media hysteria about masks all showed very little benefit to masks with viruses.”
There are at least two sets of intangible benefits from wearing masks beyond a reduction in infections. These are:
- those wearing masks can claim they are virtuous, ie., “I wear a mask because I care”.
- politicians who impose mandates can give the appearance of doing something. Even if it is ineffective, many believe it is.
Other benefits you forgot, much easier to rob a store and protect your identity, easier to destroy property in a riot and remain anonymous.