Today NPR published a story, headlined “People who think they're attractive are less likely to wear masks, a study shows”, about a very important study that appears to have determined a link between a person’s perceived attractiveness and their intention to wear an optional mask to an important job interview. The study authors state that people who have a higher self-perceived attractiveness are less likely to wear a mask.
An alternative interpretation is that people with a lower self-perceived attractiveness would be more likely to wear a mask to that important job interview.
The article is a little sparse, but some things stood out as worthy of comment.
The more attractive a person perceives themselves, the less likely they were to wear a mask because they thought the mask made them less attractive. Inversely, the less attractive someone found themselves, the more likely they were to wear a mask, according to the study in the Frontiers of Psychology journal published in late January.
They left out the “why” for the second group. The study goes on to mention and reinforce the idea that the less attractive a person perceives themselves, the MORE ATTRACTIVE they felt their mask made them. Unfortunately, I really don’t think it works that way. Putting a mask on an exceptionally attractive person absolutely makes them less attractive, while putting a mask on a less attractive person just leaves you with a less attractive person with a mask on. Let’s call this the “beer goggles” effect, but I’m not sure even that accurately describes the situation. It’s like beer goggles with a surprise inside. Or something like that.
"Our findings suggest that mask-wearing can shift from being a self-protection measure during the COVID-19 pandemic to a self-presentation tactic in the post-pandemic era."
What I think the author is saying here, is that there’s really no good reason for ugly people to stop wearing masks even though the pandemic is over. I think this is the one time I’ve agreed with NPR, and will actually try to enjoy looking at people who continue to mask post-pandemic if for nothing more than the fact that I don’t have to look at whatever abomination it is they’re hiding behind that face diaper.
NPR closes with this gem. Emphasis mine.
For mundane activities such as walking a dog, people were less likely to care about their looks and thus, were less motivated to wear a mask. But those who see themselves as attractive were still more likely to feel the need to make a good impression.
I don’t know if this is considering the whole of the enrolled, or just the ugly ones. I thought it was established that the self-proclaimed attractive participants didn’t want to wear a mask since it covered a good two thirds of their beauty. So, I can only assume then that this is only concerning the ugly ones. If that assumption is valid, then throughout this whole stinking mess, were the ugly ones only wearing masks because they thought it helped their public image? And the truly hideous thought it would help their game to wear a mask even when walking their dog? Alone? At 6am on a deserted street, lest they risk their naked face being caught on that probably cute, always masked neighbor’s ring cam?
Regardless, we’ve come a long way since 2020 in that even NPR is, I think, OK’ing that people walk their dogs without being shamed for not wearing a mask. But you ugly ones, you should probably keep them on.
Ugly People More Likely to Wear Masks
This made me laugh out loud: always welcome!
Sorry if this an inappropriate place to say the following, but it's all I can find.
Thanks for "liking" my article about "How Antivaxxers Think": it all helps!
I think the most important articles I've written are "What's Wrong With The Greater Good", and "Coping With Disagreement and Being Wrong". You might find them helpful. (A commenter described the latter as "life-changing")!
If so, you might consider subscribing (free and always will be), so you don't miss any pearls!
https://whatdoino.substack.com/p/whats-wrong-with-the-greater-good
https://whatdoino.substack.com/p/copy-coping-with-disagreement-and
Best wishes,
Jonathan