'RIP [e-mail]': Netizens react after Google allows users to change cringe username

Netizens claimed the feature currently works only for select users, particularly those in the United States, prompting sarcastic comments like “Step one: live in the US.”

Tech giant Google has sparked a wave of reactions on social media after announcing an update that allows users to change their Gmail address without losing data—something many internet users have wanted for years.

The internet’s response to the new feature has been a mixed bag. Many users welcomed what some called a “most-needed” update, joking about finally being able to ditch their embarrassing early-2000s email IDs that carried cringe or unprofessional vibes.

One user quipped, “RIP to all the ‘cool_kid123’ email addresses out there,” while another expressed that the “[e-mail] trauma could’ve been avoided.”

However, netizens pointed out that the feature isn’t widely available yet. They claimed it currently works only for select users, particularly those in the United States, prompting sarcastic comments like “Step one: live in the US.” Others expressed frustration and disappointment over not seeing the option in their account settings.

At the same time, what was observed is that not everyone is eager to switch or apply this feature. Some users said they're good with existing username and would not opt to change it despite the new flexibility.

Google's announcement also attracted memes, jokes, and nostalgia-filled reactions that continue to flood social media platforms reflecting both excitement and impatience around the update.

In X posts shared by Google's official handle and its CEO Sundar Pichai, the company explained that users can now say bye to their cringe usernames they once created while keeping their email data, Drive files, photos, and other linked contents unlost.

"2004 was a good year, but your Gmail address doesn't need to be stuck in it. To say goodbye to [e-mail] or [e-mail] (or whatever you were into at the time), go to your Google Account settings and choose any name available. You'll keep your old username and you can sign in with both," Pichai posted.