Effect of Face Masks on Interpersonal Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic

TLDR

During the COVID‑19 pandemic, protective measures such as social distancing and face masks have severely disrupted interpersonal communication by muffling sounds and obscuring facial expressions. The study explores how face masks hinder interpersonal connection by obscuring facial expressions. The authors propose coping strategies and skills to facilitate communication while wearing face masks.

Abstract

Interpersonal communication has been severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Protective measures, such as social distancing and face masks, are essential to mitigate efforts against the virus, but pose challenges on daily face-to-face communication. Face masks, particularly, muffle sounds and cover facial expressions that ease comprehension during live communication. Here, we explore the role of facial expressions in communication and we highlight how the face mask can hinder interpersonal connection. In addition, we offer coping strategies and skills that can ease communication with face masks as we navigate the current and any future pandemic.