A Singaporean TikTok user went viral after sharing that he uses Google Maps to “visit” his late grandmother whenever he misses her.
On Jan. 27, TikTok user @retroridersg posted his now-viral video, which has already garnered over 98,000 views and 7,000 likes. In the 14-second clip, he searches up 840 Hougang Central in Singapore on Google Maps before locating an archived image from 2009 that shows his late grandmother about to cross a street.
“Every Chinese new year whenever I miss my late grandma, I would come to google map and she will be there,” he wrote in his post’s caption. “Miss you grandma.”
In an interview with MS News, the TikTok user shared that his grandmother died two years ago while battling cancer. However, he first discovered the Google Maps photo while she was still alive.
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He also talked about his close relationship with his grandmother, who played a central role in his upbringing. They would often spend time together cooking, watching television, grocery shopping and sharing secrets.
Several TikTok users were quick to comment on the viral post.
“My aged dad who has dementia is also on google street view. That means so much to me and my fam,” one user wrote.
“So sweet, she’s forever in your heart,” another user expressed. “Wish I could see my grandpa this way too but he left in the 97’s when no such technology exist.”
Other comments reminded the Singaporean man to save the photo.
“Save it,” one user wrote. “Cos you never know google policy changes in future may remove old data.”
“This is making me teary eyed. It is nice that you have this memory of her. I hope google doesn’t delete this photo of her,” another user mentioned.
In response, the TikTok user commented that he has already taken a screen shot, making sure to memorialize the image of his grandmother.
