turntable mat- helpful, harmful, or doesn't matter

My Aries table is new to me, as is high-end analog.

I've got a carbon fiber platter mat that's supposed to "reduce static".

That Aries platter looks kinda hard and unforgiving, too...like it could scratch records. But, I'm wondering if using the mat between the LP and the platter affects the sound/resonance/transfer of vibration coupling...etc.

Opinions?

Thanx,

John Bojack
Atlanta, GA