What People Get Wrong About MASKS

My deep dive into the science and math of masks.
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Johnny Harris is a filmmaker and journalist. He currently is based in Washington, DC, reporting on interesting trends and stories domestically and around the globe. Johnny's visual style blends motion graphics with cinematic videography to create content that explains complex issues in relatable ways. He holds a BA in international relations from Brigham Young University and an MA in international peace and conflict resolution from American University.

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[johnnyharris]

Thanks for watching friends. I predict we'll be wearing masks for at least the next year. Sigh.
(discount if you use promo code johnnyharris

I'll be back with another video soon!
-johnny

[QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“Smart people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, stupid people already have all the answers.”
– Socrates

[dangelowallaceagain]

"common sense and human decency?? facts?? and statistics???? damn bro that's crazy but i don't remember asking"
- anti maskers, probably

[SoulfulVeg]

I wear a mask, but I'll admit I've been dubious about their efficacy. This answered many of my outstanding questions. Thank you.

[pirateking]

"If farts can go through thick jeans, how can a mask protect you from a virus."

protester i saw on the internet

[rudigameh]

The one thing I wish you had elaborated on is why the CDC told everyone not to buy masks. That is something that is often used by people who are anti-mask to say that they don't work or that there is confusion over the science when there wasn't. The CDC, like the NHS in the UK, didn't want everyone stockpiling PPE/masks when healthcare professionals needed it.

[blaisestritt]

Not sure if this info changed in the last year but I’ve heard a lot from people who study this that viral load doesn’t determine severeness (ur second takeaway), many no symptoms people have large viral loads. Also cloth and surgical masks don’t filter out any virus, you brought up that it could have a major effect if it blocked 50%, but it blocks little to none unless it has an actual filter (like an n-95 mask does). And covid doesn’t spread through surfaces? I think that last one was disproved awhile ago I think

[lielrabinovich]

The hamster masks are the most adorable thing I've heard about in my entire life

[iamjasonthompson]

Thanks for this Johnny. Viral load. It makes sense why extending time around infected could give you worse symptoms. More opportunities for rockets to land. I wish I knew more when I caught it.

[XBojangsX]

Great content and point about the aerosols. I think another great point to mention is "Not all masks are the same". The type of material of the mask plays a direct role in the filtration capability of the mask. Multiple cotton layers (or in combination with other polyester based materials) have shown to do well as a mechanical barrier and the non woven polypropylene (blue surgical mask) do well to create an electrostatic barrier that attracts aerosols. A hybrid mask with a combination of high density cotton/polyester & melt-blown non-woven material would create a mask with a similar filtration rate of an N95 mask. High-breathable non-dense masks isn't really what you want here. Also a mask that fits snug around the face is very important for filtration efficiency. (look @ the studies done by the American Chemical Society)

[javeedn]

Masks: they're better than a ventilator and a hospital stay!

[alexleslie]

Johnny: Wear a Mask
Anti-maskers: why??
Johnny: imagine a rocket ship...
Flat-earth anti-maskers: 🤨

[DeeNimmin]

You should have animated this with simple cartoon like characters drawn in crayon for those who still don’t understand this a year later.

[alexfuchs]

There is one big problem with masks:
People don't realize that a mask doesn't give you 100% protection. Keeping distance (also while wearing a mask) is key.

[Lathey]

No anti masker myself and I thought the video very nicely presented it's points. I will say though that also promoting a company who sells face mask could raise some red flags for some people and distract from the message.

[haqmalik]

4:48 "the less virus you get the less sick you get". The delivery of that quote was superb my favourite johnny quote. Not just cos of what he said but how he said it

[LashanR]

Please tell this to all the people I've seen who take their mask off specifically to cough, before putting it back on again 🤦🏽‍♂️

[MrNicePotato]

Using rocket ships and gravity to explain a piece of fabric blocking your breath is overkill lmao I love it.

[inbasicterms-popculturevid]

“People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.”
― Søren Kierkegaard

[scoobideux]

"Viral load" is how many virus particles are in you. "Infectious dose" is how many you are initially exposed to. There is every reason to think that the first is affected by the second, but they mean different things.