From solo dining to safety apps, China’s ‘loneliness economy’ is booming

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Luna SunJanuary 25, 2026 at 04:00 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

China's "loneliness economy" is growing rapidly due to a surge in the number of people living alone. In 2024, nearly 20% of China's population lived in single-person households, and projections estimate this will rise to over 30% by the end of the decade. This trend has spurred demand for products and services addressing safety, social, and mental health needs. The popularity of apps like "Are You Dead?" (Sileme/Demumu), which allows users to check in and alert emergency contacts if they fail to do so, highlights this growing market. Analysts attribute this trend to economic pressures, weakening social ties, and the increasing number of individuals living far from family networks. The app's success demonstrates a significant, previously underserved need within Chinese society.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Beijing 40% Beike Research Institute 50% Apple AppStore 50% National Bureau of Statistics 50% Demumu 60% Anbound 60% Zhao Zhijiang 70% Are You Dead? (Sileme) ×480% China ×490%

Keywords

loneliness economy 100% solo living 90% china 80% safety 70% mental health 70% check-in app 60% social isolation 60% economic pressure 50% single-person household 50% are you dead? app 40%