I use the approved N95 masks and continue to buy a good amount of them. They are stored in brown paper-bags to allow them to dry out over a few days and re-use again later. I also practice social distancing like I'm playing a video game with people in the public find the most efficient routes around and away from people. If a N95 looks used up then its discarded or if it's used near a symptomatic person it will be thrown away. So I can assure you that all research available was made up. What mask was the lady wearing? Most people wear surgical masks or cloth masks, and of course those don't provide any protection.
I buy 100 packs of gloves per box and they are disposed of as soon as I leave the store. It saves me from having to use hand santizer and I've been using gloves before the lockdowns.
It's not fear, it's civic duty, which are different concepts. Your civic duty is that if you are infected and asymptomatic that you stay home and not spread the virus to other people, or if you are not sure if you are infected then to wear a mask so you don't infect other people in case you are. Don't get what that has to do with fear and is more like being a prick. Fear is wearing an n95 mask which are expensive, and I get that. Civic duty is wearing a surgical mask or scarf which will protect others from you and are inexpensive. I wear an n95 because I live with senior-folks and it's to their benefit if I don't get infected myself, otherwise I too would settle for a surgical mask/cloth mask.
Again, like I said, there is pros and cons, however, this particular regimen is a bit draining which is why a vaccine would be a relief.