[lex24]

There is probably a strong social desirability component to how people answer the survey.  In my suburban neighborhood, I don't see 60% of people wearing masks, and in fact, I don't wear a mask most of the time.  But that is because most of the time I am not in a position where social distancing is not possible.  I very rarely venture into an indoor public space, but I would wear a mask if I did.  I rarely come within 6 feet of anyone else outdoors, so mostly I don't wear a mask when I am walking.  But I carry one in my pocket (unless I forget, which sometimes happens), and I put it on when I am approaching somebody.  I preferentially will try to get far out of the way (10 or more feet away), but sometimes it is unavoidable to come within 6 feet.

So, I'm not sure how I would qualify my adherence to mask wearing in such a black and white survey question.

BC

Agree 100%. I do the same thing when I’m walking.  And frankly when I do walk and I see people almost none are wearing masks. Occasionally when they see me coming they’ll put their mask on - I try to do it. Primarily quite honestly just to be polite. I will also cross the street and get as far away as possible.  I need the fresh air in my lungs.  So I’m not gonna wear a mask while walking when nobody’s around. I doubt tremendously that anywhere close to 60% of the people “always”wear masks “ when they are in public. So my guess is there’s a lot of interpretation that is going into that answer and what it means to be in “public.” 

It’s one of the reasons I really don’t like Polls. Yeah they provide us some information but it’s always limited. You may define “public“ different than I do. I would’ve answered that question “sometimes.” Because of the fact that while I’m outside walking on the street I’m in “public“ even though I’m not around any people. Others may simply determine that that’s not “public“ – or simply want to be on the more “socially responsible“ side of the answer. That’s answering “always” even though that’s not the case literally.

[lex24]

There is probably a strong social desirability component to how people answer the survey.  In my suburban neighborhood, I don't see 60% of people wearing masks, and in fact, I don't wear a mask most of the time.  But that is because most of the time I am not in a position where social distancing is not possible.  I very rarely venture into an indoor public space, but I would wear a mask if I did.  I rarely come within 6 feet of anyone else outdoors, so mostly I don't wear a mask when I am walking.  But I carry one in my pocket (unless I forget, which sometimes happens), and I put it on when I am approaching somebody.  I preferentially will try to get far out of the way (10 or more feet away), but sometimes it is unavoidable to come within 6 feet.

So, I'm not sure how I would qualify my adherence to mask wearing in such a black and white survey question.

BC

Agree 100%. I do the same thing when I’m walking.  And frankly when I do walk and I see people almost none are wearing masks. Occasionally when they see me coming they’ll put their mask on - I try to do it. Primarily quite honestly just to be polite. I will also cross the street and get as far away as possible.  I need the fresh air in my lungs.  So I’m not gonna wear a mask while walking when nobody’s around. I doubt tremendously that anywhere close to 60% of the people “always”wear masks “ when they are in public. So my guess is there’s a lot of interpretation that is going into that answer and what it means to be in “public.” 

It’s one of the reasons I really don’t like Polls. Yeah they provide us some information but it’s always limited. You may define “public“ different than I do. I would’ve answered that question “sometimes.” Because of the fact that while I’m outside walking on the street I’m in “public“ even though I’m not around any people. Others may simply determine that that’s not “public“ – or simply want to be on the more “socially responsible“ side of the answer. That’s answering “always” even though that’s not the case literally.