Listen to the science

Did you listen to the science during the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you even understand what it means to listen to the science? This phrase was seriously overused during the pandemic, and it wasn't always used correctly.

I will admit that I wasn't the best at listening to the science. Can you blame me? There were numerous missteps throughout the pandemic. For example, they told us not to wear masks, and insisted that they weren't just talking about N95 masks. Then they insisted that most masks, including those that said they weren't effective against COVID-19, were helpful in reducing asymptomatic spread. Then they said that a lot of the masks they told us to use weren't effective enough, and we should be using KN95 masks. Finally, they blamed the N95 shortage for the reason that they initially told us not to wear any masks.

Most people who boast about their willingness to listen to the science never actually listened to the science. Instead, they listened to the media's portrayal of the science. In other words, they were more willing to watch mainstream media outlets than do such things as visiting websites run by the WHO and CDC.

Let me say one thing clearly. The science does not consist of one person. I'm not among those actively villainizing Anthony Fauci, but the media massively over relied on his comments. They even handpicked additional experts based on their alignment with Fauci's statements. If you want someone like me to listen to the science, give me more than one person.

Ideally, science should be used to inform the public so we can make the best choices. Most of the "listening to the science" was more dictatorial. They tried to tell us what to do and what to think. Most of this is not really listening to the science.

How well masks reduce the spread the virus is science. Mask mandates are regulations, not science. How well vaccines fight the pandemic is science. Whether or not you choose to get the vaccine is a decision, not science.

Science should never dictate personal thoughts, beliefs, and opinions. That is not what it means to listen to science. Listening to science means that your thoughts, beliefs, and opinions are informed rather than controlled.