Originally Posted by
rickair7777
Personally I think the masks create a psychological barrier to communication and human empathy. If nothing else it's a PITA to talk to someone so I'm less likely to engage in discretionary conversation with strangers. Visual cues are important in our communication.
As well as difficulties in identifying a stranger, this is why robbers wear masks.
It is also why in some countries women cover much of their faces. In addition to religious direction, it makes it harder for a man to communicate with a woman, and harder to appreciate some of her physical features. A man cannot see a woman smile at him. This all creates a relationship barrier. It allows the woman to pass through crowds more anonymously.