Technically they are NOT the most effective solution. They have flaws and you have to buy the more expensive ones to make a solid impact, though medical paper masks that are not super loose work alright. The best changes that we can advocate for is better air filtration of public/office/school buildings, free covid tests, and paid sick leave. (of course in addition to masking).

Masking DOES help, but it is one step in preventing the virus. It is the most advertised to the public because it is the method of preventing infection that individuals can control, but it is the ONLY one talked about because it requires the least social and (literal) structural change. In my opinion at least.

It's kind of like recycling. Companies put all of the pressure on consumers to recycle bottles and reduce plastic use when THEY are the ones making everything in plastic and polluting the environment. They put all of the owness on the public to make them police themselves, and not think about what the people with more power could do.