Psychology pioneer Solomon Asch demonstrated how the desire to "fit in" can change personal behavior under peer pressure. His theory is nicely demonstrated in this 1960's episode of Candid Camera.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNI5jNBFFT8&ab_channel=NikosKaranikolas
OP: Thank you for all the wonderful comments. You have inspired me to film my own elevator experiment: My cohorts board elevator, subject walks in, door closes, and we all remove masks with an audible sigh of relief and see what happens. Any ideas to spice this up?
Same in Japan man. The funny thing is that as soon as you sit down at a table in a cafe or restaurant, suddenly covid stops existing!! Everyone sits around and eats and talks maskless. Then they get up and whoa whoa suddenly it’s covid time again, masks back on or you get the STARE OF SHAME.
It broke my heart the other day - I took my 4yo daughter to the park. She and I both maskless of course. Her best friend from preschool shows up in a mask. My daughter asks me to get her mask so she could be like her friend. I tell her no, kids don’t need them, plus you’re outside, don’t worry about it. “But <friend> is wearing one!!!” she cried.
Sorry darling, cry all you want, you ain’t getting one.
Damn dude! You're a good father. I wish the parents this side would show such spine. I can count the number of babies, babies not children, I've seen without a mask on one hand.