A Shift in Behavior
In the midst of the holiday season, bustling shopping centers, warehouse stores, and airports are filled with crowds of people. However, one noticeable difference from three years ago is the absence of face masks. While there may be the occasional individual wearing a mask, it is certainly not as prevalent as it once was during the initial winter holidays of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As 2023 comes to a close, mask-wearing has become a sporadic occurrence across the country. Despite COVID-19 still lingering, widespread mask mandates have become a thing of the past. Mask-wearing has now become a new way of life in America, a behavior that persists even if it is not practiced regularly by most individuals.
A New Introduction of Behaviors and Norms
Brooke Tully, a strategist working on behavior change, highlights the interesting aspect of the pandemic’s impact. While services like home food delivery already existed and were gaining momentum, mask-wearing was an entirely new behavior introduced by COVID-19. It has become one of the new norms in society.
The decision to wear a mask has become situational for many individuals. For example, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospital system recently reinstated a mask mandate due to an increase in respiratory viruses. Similarly, for Sally Kiser, who manages a home health care agency, carrying a mask has become a habit. She wears it when she deems it necessary, adapting to the ever-changing paradigm of the world we live in.
The Rise and Fall of Mask Demand
During the height of the pandemic, the fear of contracting COVID-19 led to a surge in mask demand. Terms like “N95” entered our vocabulary, along with mask mandates that sparked fierce backlash from those who believed it infringed upon their individual freedoms. Once mandates were lifted, demand for masks plummeted. Project N95, a nonprofit that helped people find quality masks, even ceased its sales due to lack of interest.
Anne Miller, the executive director of Project N95, had anticipated that widespread mask usage would become the new normal, as seen in other cultures. However, Markus Kemmelmeier, a sociology professor, explains that norms, whether related to public safety or other aspects of society, do not simply shift overnight. He draws parallels to the initial resistance to seatbelt laws decades ago, where individuals argued against curbing their personal freedoms.
Masks as a Niche
While mask usage has decreased, it still persists in certain settings. For instance, the Park Slope Co-op in Brooklyn recently implemented mask-required days as a means to protect immune-compromised individuals. This move recognizes the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations from respiratory ailments. The co-op deliberately scheduled these requirements on slower days to minimize the financial impact.
Individuals like Aron Halberstam, while not wearing masks regularly, willingly comply with mask requirements when asked. This reflects the current middle ground in many parts of the country. People choose to wear masks in crowded places or during travel for personal reasons, rather than due to government mandates. Additionally, new situations, such as poor air quality caused by wildfires, have led to the use of masks for protection.
Masks have found their niche in society and will continue to endure as long as there is a need for them. The culture has shifted, and mask-wearing, although less prevalent, has become a part of daily life in America.
