Should face masks be mandatory or should we rely on voluntary compliance because the argument for wearing face masks to reduce the infection rate is compelling?
Rationality does not seem to be win the argument, but rather whether the decision is presented as opt-in or opt-out.
The first mandatory seat belt legislation was enacted in the Australian state of Victoria in 1970. Prior to the legislation, compliance had been around 25%. Soon after usage leapt to over 80% and reached 90% by 1977.* The rationale for wearing a seat belt had not changed. The level of risk of a fatal injury in a car accident was identical before and immediately after the legislation. The perception, however, had been changed by shifting seat belt wearing from optional to mandatory.
Framing changes the way people act on information. This is an important lesson for all IS students, and Covid-19 offers a salient opportunity to discuss decision framing.
* McDermott, F., & Hough, D. (1979). Reduction in road fatalities and injuries after legislation for compulsory wearing of seat belts: experience in Victoria and the rest of Australia. British Journal of Surgery, 66(7), 518-521.
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Rick Watson
University of Georgia
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