system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Besides being a social issue, why is it a huge problem to pick your nose, and a bigger problem to eat it as well? are there any real negative effects?

I'm aware it's gross, but I came to the realization that no one has really established why it's so wrong.
gpt
If you're ill then picking or wiping the nose before shaking hands or something is going to spread the disease. Its just a health and courtesy thing.

Saying that, health wise it doesn't really affect you. The mucous is there to catch dust and things from the air to pre ent it entering your lungs. If you don't pick it or blow it out on a tissue, the microcilia on the cells inside your nose will slowly push it to the back of your throat where it is swallowed anyway, and the acid in your stomach should be able to deal with most things. Picking and eating just speeds up natures work!

However, like many other "natural" bodily functions, it is frowned upon to do it in public, so follow the fart rule: just do it when alone or with people who don't care.