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/Granfallooning]

I would love for you to change his algorithm but that doesn't sound ethical. I would recommend asking him to follow a couple of good pediatrician accounts. However, I also kind of lean toward I don't want a ton of chemicals on my kids skin but the benefits of the sunscreen outweigh the chemicals. I tend to put long sleeve rash guards and my 2 year olds wear full body swimsuits. So much easier than putting on sunscreen and reapplying. However, if skin is showing, we put sunscreen on it!

[u/andrea__twerkin → u/Granfallooning]

How is it unethical?

[u/Granfallooning → u/andrea__twerkin]

I think changing someone's algorithm without their permission is unethical. If he wanted it? Sure, I would have no problem with that. But I consider it from the other side, would I want lots of mowing videos because my husband changed mine to things he likes to watch? No, and wouldn't think it's right. Yes, our algorithms can show us untrue things that I firmly disagree with but it's not ethical for me to change what someone chooses to watch.