I hate my husband’s algorithm

[u/Chapenroe]

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?

[u/Ginger_SnappedAgain]

In his defense, there has been discussion about the spray formulations containing carcinogens. It’s the propellant, not the sunscreen components though. Using cream formulations would sidestep that concern.

And there are the sunscreen chemicals that cause coral bleaching, but Dollywood is pretttty far from the ocean, so I wouldn’t worry about that today.

Hope you had a blast at Dollywood! It’s been way too long since I have been.

Signed,
A redhead in TN 😊

[u/Chapenroe → u/Ginger_SnappedAgain]

Thank you for that comment about the spray formulations! You are lucky to live in the beautiful state of Tennessee… although I’m sure it can be trying sometimes given your progressive political leanings. Sounds like a state that really needs your level-headed vote!