The use of masks and their psychological impact

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Charles McCarthy
The use of masks and their psychological impact

The world has been battling COVID - 19 for over a year and many life circumstances and daily routine have changed accordingly. What many call “the new normal” includes wearing face masks on the street and staying in public places.

Wearing masks, together with the frequent use of disinfectant gel and another set of protocols, have allowed decrease the levels of contagion among the population and at the same time, this has become a security tool for many, who feel really protected and protected against the virus when wearing it.

However, its use has been the object of study within the psychological field, since many people, even when they are aware that it is a protection tool, feel reluctance and reluctance to use them..

It is more than proven to take her anywhere, means having a level of protection against the virus. More so if it is the ones made under technological standards that guarantee a higher level of protection such as Triomed masks that not only offer protection, but also show their effectiveness by deactivating this virus.

The technology of this company is very innovative, capable of neutralizing 99.9% of external pathogens that threaten our health. It is a hypoallergenic, breathable and waterproof mask, whose careful and studied preparation allows to control microbiological contamination, by incorporating a powerful antimicrobial in its preparation.

But focusing on its impact on a psychological level, studies and research by experts in this field indicate that the refusal to wear a mask is due to ingrained beliefs to feel free and owners of being able to decide what we do or stop doing in our environment.

In this sense, the obligation to wear it and that this is a requirement to obtain benefits and access to daily services, is instinctively defined as something incongruous and the first reaction is rejection, despite understanding that It is a measure of protection, both individual and collective.

Fortunately, most of the population is responsible for complying with this measure, which is why they choose to use high-quality masks such as the one already mentioned, but another small sector is in a process of denial that is defined by professionals. of psychology as cognitive bias.

Cognitive biases due to the use of the mask

Cognitive biases, according to psychologist specialists, are related to the personality and character of the individual, who in this case, refuses to feel or project an image of weakness or vulnerability when wearing a mask.

Another bias has to do with the self-sufficiency, that becomes part of the characteristics, qualities or defects of a person, who considers that they do not need such protection.

On the other hand, there is a psychological effect that can become the most dangerous, which is related to the copying or repetition of behaviors. Feeling included in a social group often depends on emulating behaviors. This is called the carry-over effect or the follower syndrome. Namely, "If my friend doesn't use the mask, I don't have to use it either". It is a copy of behavior that applies in many aspects of life and that serves as a practice that allows a person to feel identified and included in social groups.

In summary, underestimating the danger of not wearing a mask is extremely harmful, not only for the person who makes that mistake, but also for their family environment, friends and society in general..

Tips for using a mask correctly

Even though Triomed Active masks are an efficient protection tool against coronavirus if not used correctly, their benefits will lose their effectiveness. Therefore, taking into account the following recommendations will help this, like any other mask that you decide to use, to enhance your protection levels:

  • It is essential to wash your hands with a disinfectant before putting on the mask
  • You must fit the mask in the correct way, adjusting the straps behind the ears or tying the ends behind the head. Once this is done, you should avoid touching it and adjusting it constantly, since it adjusts in the correct way it does not have to move, if so, it is better to try another model of mask or check the fit
  • A mask should allow easy breathing.
  • If it is a disposable mask, do not reuse it. These are generally effective for 4 hours..

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