Was it though? I don't know how you definitely prove that?

Telling people to keep an extra bit of space around them, cover their face holes with a mask, and wash their hands was hardly the authoritarian nightmare some people made it out to be.

Prior to covid, in various Asian countries it was perfectly normal for someone to wear a mask when they had a cold.

Just seems like there's more pressing things to direct science and ire at.

yes you have made a good point and I see that someone has also countered that as well. I think though if you look at governments around the world and how they themselves are operating almost in unison it is worth considering the psychological implications whether by design or not the digital age phenomenon is full of very plausible opportunity to manipulate and control the masses.