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‘Are You Dead?’ Becomes China’s Top Paid App With a Simple Solo-Living Safety Check-In

The app’s rapid rise reflects China’s growing ranks of solo dwellers, with researchers projecting up to 200 million one-person households by 2030.

Teenage Girl Looking at iPhone.
chinese man on phone
Bridget Jones, as portrayed by Renée Zellweger, feared no one would notice when she died
Image

Overview

  • Built by three Gen‑Z developers in Zhengzhou, the app launched in May 2025 on a shoestring budget of about 1,000 yuan.
  • For 8 yuan, users set an emergency contact and complete regular check-ins; if consecutive check-ins are missed, the app emails the contact.
  • The developers say they are weighing a name change following criticism and are exploring SMS alerts, an elderly-focused version, and potential fitness-band links.
  • The team has discussed selling 10% of the company for 1 million yuan as investor interest grows.
  • Listed overseas as Demumu, the app is charting among top paid apps in markets including the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and Spain.