Beijing: A new app with a grim moniker, "Are You Dead?", has rapidly gained popularity in China, particularly among young individuals living alone in urban areas. Launched in May last year, the app requires users to check in every two days by clicking a button to confirm they are alive. If a user fails to do so, the app alerts a designated emergency contact that the person may be in trouble.
According to BBC, the app has become the most downloaded paid app in China as its popularity surged in recent weeks. The app targets the growing number of young adults living alone in Chinese cities. Chinese state media outlet Global Times projects that by 2030, there could be up to 200 million one-person households in the country. The app markets itself as a "safety company companion" for solo office workers, students, and anyone choosing a solitary lifestyle.
The app has sparked discussions on Chinese social media platforms. Many users have expressed the need for such a service, especially those who are introverted, unemployed, or experiencing depression. One user remarked about the fear of dying unnoticed, while another shared concerns about living far from family and the potential risks of being alone. Wilson Hou, a 38-year-old who works in Beijing and stays away from his family due to work commitments, downloaded the app for peace of mind and designated his mother as his emergency contact.
Despite criticism of its morbid name, the app's success is partly attributed to its catchy title. Moonscape Technologies, the company behind the app, is considering a name change in response to feedback. Internationally, under the name Demumu, the app ranks highly in the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and Spain for paid utility apps, driven by Chinese users abroad. Initially launched as a free app, it now costs 8 yuan ($1.15; £0.85).
The app was developed by a small team in Zhengzhou, Henan, led by three individuals born after 1995. One of the founders, Mr. Guo, revealed plans to sell 10% of the company for a million yuan to raise funds, highlighting significant growth from its initial development cost of 1,000 yuan ($140). The company also aims to expand its audience by creating a product specifically for the elderly, addressing the needs of a demographic that constitutes over a fifth of China's population. A recent post from the company emphasized the importance of caring for and respecting the elderly living alone.
The company has not yet responded to inquiries from BBC.