Are You Dead?: A Viral App for Young Chinese Living Alone
Wednesday, 2026/01/14145 words2 minutes521 reads
A new app called 'Are You Dead?' has become a sensation in China, particularly among young people living alone in cities. The concept is straightforward: users must check in every two days by clicking a button to confirm they are alive. If they fail to do so, the app contacts their designated emergency contact.
Launched in May last year, the app has recently exploded in popularity. It's now the most downloaded paid app in China. This surge in interest reflects a growing trend of one-person households in the country, which could reach 200 million by 2030.
The app targets individuals living alone, including students away from home and solo office workers. Many users find comfort in knowing that if something were to happen to them, someone would be notified. However, some critics argue that the app's name is too negative and could bring bad luck.
