Link: ‘Are you dead?’ Chinese app for single living goes viral

The app "Are you dead," originally named Sileme in Chinese, has become a viral sensation in China among solo dwellers, prompting a name change for global expansion. The newly named Demumu is designed as a safety tool for individuals living alone.

Demumu functions by requiring users to set up an emergency contact and send automatic notifications if the user fails to check in over several days. This feature caters especially to the increasing number of one-person households in China, which may total up to 200 million.

The app's popularity soared, leading it to the second position on Apple’s paid app chart, whereby initially it was unknown and independently founded by three young entrepreneurs born post-1995.

Following its success and steep operational costs, a new subscription fee of eight yuan ($1.15) was introduced. The announcement was made via Sileme's official Weibo account, reassuring users of continued improvement.

Despite the name change to Demumu, users on social media expressed a mix of reactions, suggesting alternative names and discussing the app’s utility for personal safety and comfort. Some praised its functionality, emphasizing how it brings peace of mind to the solitary living community.

While the app was met with some resistance from conservative angles, its core purpose as a personal safety tool gained substantial appreciation, highlighting the evolving needs of modern societies. #

--

Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.