Chinese App 'Are You Dead?' Gains Popularity, Rebrands as 'Demumu' Globally

The Chinese app 'Are You Dead?' (Sileme), designed for people living alone, has gone viral by requiring users to check in every 48 hours to confirm their wellbeing. If missed, it alerts an emergency contact. Launched in May 2025, it reflects rising urban loneliness amid growing single-person households, projected to reach 200 million by 2030. The app, now a top paid download in China and internationally known as 'Demumu,' will adopt this global name and introduce a subscription fee. While praised for enhancing safety, some users criticize its blunt name and express privacy concerns.