Humans are Hard-Wired to Expect the Worst. No Wonder We Can’t Let Go of Masks.

At long last, experts and authorities have shouted the two words we’ve longed to hear: Masks off.

So why are so many staying on?

Last year, millions of Americans dutifully masked up once the pandemic officially hit. Now, as things are looking up here at home, and as the warm summer air officially returns, many of those same people are choosing to stay shrouded. And even as states lift crowd restrictions in indoor spaces, many are still avoiding movie theaters, grocery stores and crowded bars and restaurants, masked or not.

This behavior may seem surprising — even frustrating to some. But psychologists understand the cautious behavior. A full return to normal — not just in how things look out there but in how things feel inside — is probably going to take a while.

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