A proof-of-life application named 'Are You Dead?' has recently become the most downloaded paid app on the Apple App Store in China. The app targets individuals living alone, allowing them to confirm their well-being by checking in periodically, and notifying an emergency contact if a check-in is missed. Its popularity reflects shifting societal demographics in China, with a growing number of single-person households. The app's name has also prompted public discussion and a subsequent developer effort to find an alternative.
App Overview and Functionality
The 'Are You Dead?' app, released in May of the previous year, was developed by Moonscape Technologies, a team of three individuals in their 20s. The application requires users to press a button every two days to confirm they are alive. Should a user fail to check in, the app automatically contacts a pre-appointed emergency contact to notify them of a potential issue. The service is available for a fee of 8 yuan (approximately $1.10).
Rise in Popularity and Societal Context
The surge in downloads for 'Are You Dead?' is largely attributed to young individuals living alone in Chinese cities, including solo office workers and students residing away from home. This trend is set against a backdrop of significant demographic shifts in China. The country currently has over 100 million single-person households, with research institutions projecting this number could reach 200 million by 2030. These figures reflect decades of urbanization and economic growth, which have led many young Chinese to move to urban centers, often distant from their extended families, a departure from traditional communal living arrangements.
While primarily popular in China, the app has also registered downloads in other countries, including Singapore, the Netherlands, Britain, India, and the United States. Ian Lü, one of the developers, stated that the app addresses a need for frictionless check-ins, particularly for introverted individuals, as frequent manual messages to confirm well-being are often impractical.
User Perspectives
Users have cited various reasons for adopting the application:
- Wilson Hou, a 38-year-old working in Beijing, downloaded the app due to concerns about being alone while working on a project away from his family. He designated his mother as his emergency contact.
- Chen Xingyu, 32, found the app interesting but raised concerns regarding data security.
- Yuan Sangsang, 38, who has lived alone for a decade, expressed a hope that the app would assist relatives in the event of her death.
Name Controversy and Developer Response
The app's direct name, 'Are You Dead?', has generated public discussion and mixed reactions. Some users have criticized the name, suggesting it carries negative connotations or could invite misfortune. Proposed alternative names have included 'Are you ok?' or 'How are you?'. Conversely, other users have viewed the name as a form of darkly humorous communication among close friends, offering a sense of ease. Commentaries suggest its success highlights a desire among contemporary young people for a signal of being seen and understood, while also acknowledging the sensitivity around the topic of death in Chinese culture.
Moonscape Technologies initially announced plans to pivot to a new name, "Demumu," with the aim of catering to solo dwellers globally. However, this proposed name was not well-received by the public. Following this feedback, the development team launched a contest, offering a reward of 666 yuan (approximately $96) for new name suggestions.