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Comment by raziel2p | Hacker News Reader

I can't find a source right now but I remember reading that people were more likely to wear a mask if they think it protects themselves rather than those around you, so there's some humanitarian value in pushing that narrative even if it's not technically true.

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I appreciate the intention, but this is the sort of approach that leads to a long-term distrust of what 'the scientists' say - if we let politicians dictate the scientific message and consensus, then there's no room to criticize when the scientific message gets politicized and ignored.

There are studies that show a mask is effective in protecting the wearer. The one I can immediately remember is https://www.freep.com/story/news/health/2020/11/16/beaumont-...

Do you also handle your mask and other PPE like this? [0] From the comments the even the linked video is not perfect. This is the problem with the public advice, humans are imperfect and will always be, maybe our kids will be better due to growing up with them. Hopefully the masks have some positive effect at least.

There's never been a question about medical settings.

[0]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUo5O1JmLH0

In comparison with conspiracy theories, populism, outrage culture, and people getting their news from facebook, I'm pretty sure this is a drop in the ocean when it comes to distrust of scientists.

Also, let's assume the facts are that masks are 5-10% effective in protecting the wearer. The phrases "masks can protect you" or "masks have little effect in protecting you" are both true from a scientific point of view, agree? I don't think it's a good idea to push fake statistics or cherry-pick studies, but I do prefer the former phrasing from a political and humanitarian point of view.

EDIT: former, not latter :)

You mean the first phrasing, not the latter, do you?

Yeah - thanks!

Technically wearing a mask helps "protect themselves" by second order effects.

We should never encourage lying or deceiving people (pushing not technically true narratives). This just erodes trust in society.

That is an absolutely horrible idea, and is exactly what fuels widespread mistrust of public health initiatives.

Tell the damn truth. If something is uncertain, tell the damn truth about how uncertain it is.

A more honest narrative is to shame people not wearing masks as selfish irresponsible dunces.

I agree that would be honest, but I also think it's less effective.

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