Why some people refuse to wear masks

Despite health professionals’ guidance to wear masks — absent a vaccine, masks are the only way to limit the spread of COVID-19 at the moment — some people are vehemently anti-mask. Why?

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I’ll concede they aren’t fun to wear — hey, neither is a condom, but most people are aware of the risks of forgoing one and opt for protection. The same goes for seat belts: they’re not the most comfortable but are nonetheless widely accepted.

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So how did masks become so politicized? Senior reporter Brittany Wong talked to psychologists and other experts about the psychology behind why some people refuse to wear masks.

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Xo, Ashley Rockman

Inside the minds of anti-maskers

In case you missed it:

“Everything will be fine.” “This too shall pass.” “Stay optimistic!” … sound familiar? Well-meaning friends and family have probably expressed these or similar sentiments during low points in your life — or, you know, in the middle of a pandemic. If trying to stay focused on the positives is making you feel more negative than anything else, you’re not alone. This type of encouragement is called toxic positivity, and there’s a psychological reason why it feels so shitty.

Toxic positivity can be detrimental to our mental health

LOL:

Here’s a little something to brighten up your Thursday: a roundup of funny tweets about married life. You’re welcome!

Laughs ahead

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