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.

True statement. Prior to Covid, I never quite appreciated just how much I relied on lip reading to compensate for the limitations of my hearing. A lifetime of exposure to live music, gunfire, and jet noise has damaged it enough to make masked communication far more difficult and when the other person is behind a plexiglass blast shield, nigh on impossible.

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.

Mask schmask
 

I’m over the mask. Do whatever YOU want. My company requires compliance, which is fine. I wear one when I’m scheduled to fly, when the company requires it. My seat is bleeding from every orifice for bodies to fill trips. When the mask mandate is repealed, I might pick one up. Not before. Enjoy!