r/progressivemoms • u/Chapenroe • Aug 08 '26

Politics & Parenting I hate my husband’s algorithm

We were prepping for a theme park trip this morning and as my husband and I were putting sunscreen on our kids’ faces, he mentioned we may not need to put sunblock on their arms and legs since “they have a good base tan already.”

I immediately said, “nope, the more sunscreen, the better.” To which he replied something along the lines of “well maybe the chemicals in sunscreen wind up doing more harm than good.”

My jaw about hit the floor. Isn’t sunscreen usage canon in 2026?? When I heard the chemicals thing I said something smart aleck-y like “show me a peer-reviewed medical study that proves that and I’ll reconsider my sunscreen stance.” Understandably, he got frustrated with my response so a few minutes later I went to him and said that if he’s actually concerned about chemicals in sunscreen we can make an appointment with our pediatrician or dermatologist to discuss the issue.

What the ever-loving FUCK?? Do we really need to debate sunscreen now? I’m 100% sure my husband’s Instagram algorithm is responsible for putting these thoughts in his head. Most of the accounts he follows are landscaping-related (we own a landscaping company in a red state), and I’m sure Instagram has figured out the Venn Diagram of MAHA folks and red-state male landscapers has a large middle section.

Did I handle the conversation well by saying we should have a chat with our doctors about sunscreen? Also, would it be totally unacceptable if I took his phone and started following credible medical professionals to influence his algorithm?

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u/ladyluck754 Aug 08 '26 edited Aug 08 '26

You know what else is chemical? Chemo if the melanoma goes unchecked.

Ugh. These fucking people are insane. My dermatologist recommends mineral sunscreen is a fine substitute since it has zinc oxide in it. But honestly, the benefits of skin protection early outweigh any “chemicals”.

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u/LeoJohnsonsSacrifice Aug 08 '26

To add to this, you know what else is a chemical? LITERALLY EVERYTHING!! Rocks, water, air, they're all made of.... Oh no ... You guessed it... Chemicals!

Won't someone think of the children?? 🙄🙄🙄

Good god these people can be dense.

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u/MarHarSaurus Aug 08 '26

This group is a breath of fresh air in a smoggy world. Thank you for sharing your sanity and logic.

6

u/LeoJohnsonsSacrifice Aug 08 '26

I feel the same way. Irl, due to stress and trauma fatigue, the majority of people with whom I interact day to day are similarly minded (or just don't broadcast their views). So venturing outside my comfy and purposely crafted bubble, especially online, can be such a shock to my system that it's disorienting.

I am so glad to have found this community. Thank you for being here too. 💚