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

Frontiers in Public Health

article

Nour Mheidly¹  Mohamad Y. Fares²  Hussein Zalzale²  Jawad Fares⁵ 

[1] Department of Communication and Journalism, Autonomous University of Barcelona;Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut;College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom;Faculty of Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Lebanese University;Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, United States

关键词: SARS-CoV-2;    coronavirus;    communication;    social distancing;    pandemic (COVID-19);    pandemic;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpubh.2020.582191

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

CC BY