A recently popular app in China, called either “Are You Dead?” or “Dead Yet?”, is gaining traction among young people living alone in cities. It addresses the worry of passing away without anyone noticing.
The app, launching in May 2025, asks users to check in every other day by simply tapping a button to show they’re okay. If a user doesn’t check in, the app will automatically notify a designated emergency contact that there might be a problem.
At the start of 2026, downloads have spiked, making it the most downloaded paid app in China.
This increase in demand coincides with a growing number of people living alone – estimates suggest China could have as many as 200 million single-person households by 2030. The app is designed to provide peace of mind and security for those living alone, students, or anyone who prefers to live independently.
“If I died alone, who would collect my body?”
A recent post on Chinese social media expressed a worry many people living alone share: the fear of dying without anyone knowing, and going undiscovered for a long time. The user poignantly asked, ‘If I were to die alone, who would even find me?’
Someone else pointed out the app might be helpful for people who are shy, those struggling with depression, and anyone else who feels vulnerable.
Wilson Hou, a 38-year-old living in Beijing, told the BBC he fears he might die alone in his rental home and no one would discover his passing. To address this concern, he’s designated his mother as his emergency contact.
Some people found the app’s name too depressing and proposed options like “Are you ok?”. The app’s creator, Moonscape Technologies, has listened to the feedback and is thinking about renaming it.
The app, known as Demumu internationally, is a top-selling paid utility app in several countries, including the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and Spain. Its popularity may be due to use by Chinese users living abroad. It costs 8 yuan, which is about $1.15.
The app was created by three young founders – all born after 1995 – at a cost of about 1,000 yuan, which is less than $150. They’ve announced plans to sell 10% of their company for one million yuan, and are also working on a version of the app specifically designed for seniors, hoping to reach China’s large population of people over 60.
Read More
- Tom Cruise? Harrison Ford? People Are Arguing About Which Actor Had The Best 7-Year Run, And I Can’t Decide Who’s Right
- How to Complete the Behemoth Guardian Project in Infinity Nikki
- What If Karlach Had a Miss Piggy Meltdown?
- ‘Zootopia 2’ Is Tracking to Become the Biggest Hollywood Animated Movie of All Time
- Amazon Prime Members Get These 23 Free Games This Month
- Arc Raiders Snap And Salvage Quest Guide
- Balatro and Silksong “Don’t Make Sense Financially” And Are “Deeply Loved,” Says Analyst
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Razer’s New Holographic AI Assistant Sits On Your Desk And Promises Help, Not Judgement
- Brent Oil Forecast
2026-01-12 15:48