It might be a fear thingnfor some people and a way to help people cope with their fears. My wife understands the utility of the mask is probably all fake, especially after I showed her the article of vaccinated people on a cruise ship spreading covid despite being strict mask mandates. But she needs the mask to keep her feeling safe. She doesn't mind if I don't wear a mask. But it's for her own sanity until she can feel comfortable going around without a mask.