A doctor has made a performative intervention on Twitter to address the debates regarding whether face masks impact the oxygen levels of users. The video seeks to address what the doctor refers to as “Mask Confusion” and involves donning six surgical masks while hooked up to a vital signs monitor. Despite increasing the layers of masks, the machine reports no change in the oxygen levels. The assumption therefore, provides clear experimental evidence that counters the claims of anti-mask activists. The doctor joins others around the world, including Disney, who are calling on people to wear masks in order to bring a swift conclusion to our present global crisis.
Masks were not initially required during the beginning of the pandemic, a function of uncertainty as well as officials seeking to ensure that the supply was adequate for essential medical personnel, prior to requiring the entire population to wear them as well. However, since March they have become a common requirement within public spaces in cities and countries around the world. Additionally, a number of cities, countries, as well as individual businesses, have recently reinstituted and strengthened mask requirements after a brief period of easing, much to the chagrin of some who prefer not to wear masks. One of the reasons given against masks is the inability to breathe and the doctor’s intervention seeks to provide clarity on the effects on oxygen levels, while also drawing attention to the other solid scientific evidence that supports their mandatory usage.
The comments on the original Twitter post shared by Maitiu O Tuathail are a mixture of cheers and jeers, with some commending the doctor while others vehemently defending an anti-mask stance. Some of the more common and potentially interesting questions posed to the doctor, include the interactive effect of exercise (or other forms of physical activity) and masks, as well as time and masks. The opportunity is ripe for the doctor to use his platform to offer authoritative and definitive answers to these questions, potentially also in a performative fashion. Other recent episodes of mask publicity have included merely setting positive examples (see Patrick Stewart’s Birthday) as well as incorporating pro-mask messaging into regularly scheduled entertainment (see 30 Rock).
A Question Of Method
Some seemingly scientifically-minded individuals have critiqued the doctor’s method. Drawing on points like why a singular experiment as opposed to the provision of a large n study? Or the provision of a series of studies investigating the question of whether masks impact oxygen levels? Even though the point of the video is that it is merely a demonstration of what has already been proven through large n studies.
Besides the actual demonstration, the doctor also leveraged the opportunity to share knowledge via news interviews that were joined by other doctors. One shared by Now This includes Dr. Joshua Wolrich, who has emulated the experiment and replicated the results of Dr. Tuathail.
Overall, while some masks could break down language barriers, some methods of communication are able to reach those who the light of science has yet to illuminate. Thus, the Twitter method employed by the doctor on this occasion is not only highly commentable, but it is commendable as well.
Source: Maitiu O Tuathail/Twitter