An app named “Are you dead” has gained immense popularity in China, particularly among individuals living alone, leading to a spike in downloads and extensive discussions on social media. In response, the company has decided to implement a subscription fee and rebrand itself for an international audience. The app, known as Sileme in Chinese, translates to “Are you dead?” in English and is described by its developers as “a lightweight safety tool designed for those living solo,” including students, remote workers, and anyone who prefers a solitary lifestyle.
Are you dead Eemergency Contact
Users must set up an emergency contact, and the app will automatically notify them if the user fails to check in for several consecutive days. According to the Global Times, China has around 200 million one-person households, with a solo living rate surpassing 30 percent. On Tuesday, Sileme announced via its official Weibo account that it will soon launch a new version under the global brand name Demumu. The app is already listed as Demumu on Apple’s paid app chart, where it currently ranks second after briefly reaching the top earlier this week.
“Thank you to all the netizens for your enthusiastic support. We started as a small, unknown team, co-founded and run independently by three individuals born after 1995,” Sileme stated. The company also revealed plans for an eight yuan ($1.15) payment option to help manage rising costs. Social media users, particularly on Weibo, have urged Sileme not to change its name, while others have proposed alternatives like “Are you alive,” “Are you dead,” or “Are you there.” One user remarked, “Perhaps some conservative individuals might struggle with it, but it serves a vital safety function. It will help those of us who are single feel more secure in our lives.”
