Preface: This is me sharing my personal opinion from my own understanding. And this is primarily with self-defense (against humans) in mind. Also with carrying wherever you can legally do so. This includes in public, running errands, work, etc. **Not** for example, in your own home, on some isolated ranch/farmland, or in the wilderness. Average everyday life scenarios. Walking down the street, shopping in the grocery store, at the movies, downtown, in the city, etc. Basically wherever you could legally open carry if you wanted. I live in a very populous city, so I kinda have that more in mind, not a rural area.
**It is wise for people to NOT know that you're carrying. It is wiser not to open carry.**
) Everyone doesn't know you. They don't know who you are, how you are, and/or if you can be trusted. They don't know if you're potentially crazy/insane/murderous/etc.
) Open carry can instill fear/anxiety/discomfort in others, make them apprehensive of you, get a wrong impression of you, potentially make you a target to criminals. **Yes, a target.** Some criminal wants to take your gun? What advantage does your holstered gun have over someone who has theirs drawn, and is approaching you from behind? You just happen to be at a store when a mass shooter enters with a rifle, and notices some guy open carrying? Guess who's likely to be a higher priority target? Think these scenarios are unrealistic? You sure? Are you in the USA like I am? Do you watch the news?
) This isn't an open carriers fault or responsibility, but some people very well may not know the law. Some people may not realize that people other than law enforcement/licensed security can legally open carry.
) If you do get into an altercation, it potentially increases the chances of someone resorting to using lethal force on you.
) It likely eliminates the element of surprise/covertness. It shows your “hand”. I’d think many/most people who are tactically minded realize the significance of the element of surprise, whether it's being used to help you, or used against you. It gives potential attackers a heads up. They KNOW you're armed, the placement of your gun, when your back is turned....
**It is wise for people to NOT know that you're carrying. It is wiser not to open carry.**
) Everyone doesn't know you. They don't know who you are, how you are, and/or if you can be trusted. They don't know if you're potentially crazy/insane/murderous/etc.
) Open carry can instill fear/anxiety/discomfort in others, make them apprehensive of you, get a wrong impression of you, potentially make you a target to criminals. **Yes, a target.** Some criminal wants to take your gun? What advantage does your holstered gun have over someone who has theirs drawn, and is approaching you from behind? You just happen to be at a store when a mass shooter enters with a rifle, and notices some guy open carrying? Guess who's likely to be a higher priority target? Think these scenarios are unrealistic? You sure? Are you in the USA like I am? Do you watch the news?
) This isn't an open carriers fault or responsibility, but some people very well may not know the law. Some people may not realize that people other than law enforcement/licensed security can legally open carry.
) If you do get into an altercation, it potentially increases the chances of someone resorting to using lethal force on you.
) It likely eliminates the element of surprise/covertness. It shows your “hand”. I’d think many/most people who are tactically minded realize the significance of the element of surprise, whether it's being used to help you, or used against you. It gives potential attackers a heads up. They KNOW you're armed, the placement of your gun, when your back is turned....
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Let everybody see, not just when expecting to be around mostly strangers. 
