I don't think masks are bad but I do think forcing people to wear them goes against human rights. If someone wants to wear a mask for their own protection that's fine, but they shouldn't shame someone else for their decision not to (happens all too often) just like the person not wearing the mask shouldn't shame the ones who decide to wear one.
wearing a mask in the winter is a good idea to keep you from inhaling so much cold air and getting sick, and yeah it does hide you from facial recognition technology too so it has it's benefits.
now on the contrary I've seen people literally jogging in 90 degree heat back in the summer with a mask on, or driving alone in their car with it on. to me it seems a little odd but hey it's just a clothing preference