Chinese app ‘Are You Dead?’ to change name after surge in popularity

The Chinese app "Sileme," which translates to "Are You Dead?" and is designed as a safety tool for people living alone, is changing its name to "Demumu" for a global audience after gaining popularity in China. The app allows users to set up an emergency contact and sends notifications if the user hasn't checked in for consecutive days. The company announced the name change on its Weibo platform, citing "extensive consideration." The app recently surged to the top of Apple's paid app chart and introduced a small subscription fee to cover increasing costs. This comes as China estimates having 200 million one-person households.

The "Are You Dead?" app has become a viral sensation in China, particularly among young people living alone in cities. Launched in May 2023, the app requires users to check in every two days to confirm they are alive; otherwise, it alerts their designated emergency contact. Its popularity has surged recently, making it the most downloaded paid app in the country. This trend reflects a growing concern about the well-being of individuals living alone, with projections estimating up to 200 million single-person households in China by 2030. Users cite fears of dying unnoticed as a primary reason for using the app, despite some criticism of its bleak name.