We’ve all become accustomed to scrolling down virtual streets, navigating north, south, east, and west with ease in today’s mapping apps. But TikTok users are proving that Google Maps isn’t just for directions—it’s a portal to the past. Through old Street View images, people are uncovering snapshots of their lives: candid, surprising, and often deeply emotional moments that were unknowingly captured by Google’s street cars.
The trend, known as "Somewhere on Google Maps," has TikTokers discovering pieces of their pasts in images that are as heartbreaking as they are heartwarming—and occasionally downright hilarious. From bittersweet memories of loved ones to unexpected glimpses of long-lost homes, these virtual journeys are sparking laughter, tears, and plenty of nostalgia.
Paired with the wistful tune of Eric Church’s Springsteen, the trend strikes a chord with users. The song’s lyrics, “To this day, when I hear that song / I see you standin' there on that lawn,” seem tailor-made for these moments, turning each discovery into a personal time capsule that resonates with millions.
Candid glimpses of everyday magic
Each video shared under the trend reveals a little slice of life that feels both ordinary and extraordinary. TikTok user @jayeyou shared a bittersweet moment from 2012, showing her younger self crouched beside her car with a spray bottle in hand. The text overlay explains, “It’s 2012, and I’m a junior in high school crying because my car got egged.” The image, once just an embarrassing memory, now feels nostalgic—a snapshot of teenage resilience caught on camera.
Other posts carry even more emotional weight. User @dawnqueener shared an image of her young son, who was so excited to see the Google Maps car that he stopped to pose for a photo. “Google Maps documented this moment a decade ago,” her caption reads, bringing a cherished family memory back to life.
@tyra__lynn Screaming, crying, throwing up. This trend is killing me😭 #googlemaps #2008 #springsteen #grandparents #googleearth #nostalgia #gooddays ♬ original sound - noaidenno
And for many, the trend has sparked bittersweet reflections. TikToker @sydshads summed it up perfectly:
"I have cried every day since this trend started bc of these. Please keep posting, y'all are tugging at my heartstrings every single time."
— @sydshads
Finding forgotten faces and places
Beyond humor and nostalgia, many TikTokers have used the trend to reconnect with lost loved ones or explore pieces of their lives that have since disappeared. Childhood homes now renovated beyond recognition, streets once full of neighbors who’ve moved away, and late pets frozen in a moment of joyful play—it’s all there, waiting to be rediscovered.
@pastyjakesta I think we should all get to go back. #googleearth #googlemaps #googlemapstrend #childhood #nostalgia ♬ childhood - daniel.mp3 & Zamaro
One user shared an image of their now-deceased dog captured playing in the front yard, while another found a candid shot of their grandparents on the porch of a home they no longer own. These simple, unscripted scenes carry an emotional depth that resonates with millions of viewers.
@dawnqueener Google Maps documented this moment a decade ago 🥹 #googlemaps #googleearth #googleearthfind ♬ original sound - noaidenno
How to unlock your own memories on Google Maps
Curious about what pieces of your own past might be waiting to be found? Here’s a quick guide to start your own journey:
- Go to Google Maps. Open the app or website on your phone or computer.
- Enter Street View mode. Drag the Pegman icon (the little yellow figure) onto a street.
- Search for meaningful locations. Type in the address of a childhood home, a favorite park, or any spot with memories.
- Check the timeline feature. If Google has visited the area multiple times, use the timeline slider to scroll through older images and find the version closest to the time you’re looking for.
With a little patience, you might find an image that takes you back to a moment you thought was long gone.
Why this trend matters
"Somewhere on Google Maps" resonates because it taps into a universal longing to hold on to the fleeting moments that make up a life. It’s a reminder that even the mundane—the way the light hit your porch one afternoon, the neighbor walking their dog down the street—can carry immense meaning when revisited years later.
@sydshads I’m a sucker for some good nostalgia #googleearth #googlemaps #memories #trend #google #nostalgia #nostalgic ♬ original sound - noaidenno
The trend is a powerful blend of nostalgia and discovery, proving that even as technology moves us forward, it can also take us back to where we’ve been. For those inspired to join in, the Google Maps time machine is waiting. And who knows? You might find something that tugs at your own heartstrings in the best way possible.
Representative Image: The work-from-home tools get the job done, even if you still can't find the mute button. 
Furry friends are importantRepresentative image via Canva
Couple has annoying conversation
The one phrase people most want to ban forever—and 20 more that drive us all nuts
If you’ve ever cringed at hearing “It is what it is” or rolled your eyes at someone saying “No offense…” before delivering something totally offensive, you’re definitely not alone. Some expressions are so irritating, so overused, or so grammatically cursed that hearing them once more might just push us over the edge.
We asked our Facebook audience, “ If you could ban one annoying phrase from existence forever, what would it be?” and holy moly, did the floodgates open. Typically, a given question might rack up around 5,000 comments—but this one? Over 14,000. People shared responses that were funny, petty, brutally honest, and occasionally downright poignant. From phrases that try (and fail) to sound wise, to those so overused they've lost all meaning entirely—here are the top contenders folks are completely done with.
The one phrase nearly everyone wants to vanish
By far the most repeated offender was:
Over and over, users cited this as the ultimate non-response. It’s dismissive, it ends conversations, and it offers exactly zero comfort or help.
Another big category? Expressions meant to comfort that end up being painful or insulting. These include:
Many commenters explained that these phrases, while often well-intentioned, feel dismissive in times of grief or hardship.
Grammar gripes and word crimes
Grammar lovers had a lot of feelings. Some of the most-cited “please stop saying this” phrases included:
And let’s not forget the collective rage over “pacifically” when people mean “specifically.”
Words that reveal more than they intend
Several users took issue with phrases that feel passive-aggressive or intellectually lazy, such as:
As user Jacqueline C. put it, “'To be honest...' What does that mean? That you're not honest any other time?”
Phrases tied to racism, sexism, or toxic positivity
A significant number of respondents took aim at harmful or politically charged phrases. Among them:
These comments weren’t just about annoyance—they were about the emotional weight and social impact of language.
James G. didn’t mince words when he wrote: “‘Go back to your country, then’ 🤬. The epitome of racist. I love my country, plus my ancestors did not ASK to be brought here the way they were.”
Corporate speak and empty buzzwords
You knew these were coming.
These phrases sparked a different kind of rage—one reserved for staff meetings and marketing emails.
Iris H. summed it up: “Most corporate speak. Downsizing. Low hanging fruit. Pivot. etc…..” Just say what you mean, please.
Why this resonated so deeply
There’s something unifying about shared irritation. These phrases might seem harmless or routine, but for many people, they’re like verbal paper cuts—tiny annoyances that, over time, sting a lot more than they should.
Whether it’s poor grammar, dismissive condolences, or flat-out hate speech in disguise, we’re collectively craving language that’s thoughtful, clear, and kind.
So the next time you find yourself reaching for one of these expressions, take a beat. Maybe there’s a better way to say what you mean. Or maybe… just don’t say anything at all.
And if you’ve got your own phrase that should be banished from existence? Don’t worry—there’s still time to add to the list.
Got another phrase that needs to go? Drop it in the comments on our original Facebook post.
Bonus: The top five most hated phrases from our poll
Let’s make 2025 the year we finally stop saying all of them.