I disagree. A lot of what people would "hide" are in fact equivalent to "clothes" worn because of social norms or taboos.

A comment I make to a friend sitting next to me would be inappropriate to make to the policeman in the corner, or to my boss. Inappropriate to the point of there being consequences.

100%. I have group chats with friends where we express views that would be viewed askance, to put it lightly, by those that don't share the same opinions. Something to hide? Not particularly, but its private discussion so fuck off thank you kindly.

> but for the negative social consequences of the alternative

You mean like hiding your bank balance because the social consequences of people seeing it? Or hiding your medical records because of the social consequences of people seeing it?

Well there can be multiple reasons. Think of those overweight kids who wear shirts at the pool.

>There’s also the obvious warmth and protection from the elements (like UV) they provide.

If we only wore clothes for "warmth and protection" then why do we wear them indoors? The point is still valid.

Who says we all do? ;)

interestingly this was downvoted even though it’s objectively accurate. Interesante indeed.

Social taboo is a reason we hide things. We know there are social taboos against many things that are harmless, like nudity, so we conceal them. I feel it's a pretty good analogy.