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When you think of preserving memories, scrapbooks or photo albums might come to mind.
But what about Google Maps?
In a new, melancholy trend sweeping social media, Gen Z is using the “Street View” feature on Google Maps to view their childhood homes or the houses of their now-deceased grandparents, where photos snapped in years’ past show loved ones sitting on their porches or gardening in their front yards.
The “Street View” feature shows photos taken as far back as 2007 and, although it isn’t a new function, it’s being discovered by many for the first time, eliciting bittersweet nostalgia.
“Somewhere, on Google Maps, it is a sunny day in 2008 and both my grandparents are still alive and working on their yard together,” wrote creator Tyra Littlefield on a viral TikTok video, adding in the caption that the trend is “killing” her.
“Somewhere, on Google Maps, my grandma and I are sitting on a bench on the porch of my childhood home, while I’m holding my family dog in 2011,” another user, who goes by Kenzie Stevens, wrote on one clip.
“Forever frozen in time, and I never knew it was right there.”
In another TikTok video, one creator named Darlyn Ponce said she caught a glimpse of her late grandfather enjoying his morning coffee as Google’s “Street View” cars — equipped with specialized cameras — drove by his house.
Meanwhile, someone else realized their grandpa, who died two years ago, is immortalized by Google Maps in a “Street View” image of him riding his lawnmower.
“Time is a thief,” one viewer wrote on TikTok.
“This trend has me SICK, but this is SO special to have,” another commented.
“My dad passed away years ago and he’s sitting in his truck in front of his house on Google Maps,” someone else said. “I check it out now every now and then.”
“This trend makes my heart hurt,” one person admitted. “But I still love it.”
To participate in the online trend, head to Google Maps, enter the desired address, select “Street View,” then click “See More Dates,” where a selection of snapshots will appear from past years.
