China’s Hottest App Is a Daily Check on Whether You’re Still Alive

A minimalist indie app with a brutally direct name has become China’s most talked-about piece of tech. Called si le ma (死了吗), which translates to “Are You Dead Yet,” the app has surged to the top of China’s Apple App Store charts, captivating Gen Z users with its blend of dark humor and genuine utility.

At its core, the Are You Dead Yet app does just one thing: it asks users to tap a button once a day. Miss two consecutive days, and the app automatically sends an email to a pre-selected emergency contact urging them to check in — in person.

A Simple Idea With a Serious Purpose

Developed by three Gen Z founders under the company Moonscape Technologies, Are You Dead Yet was born out of a desire to address something more fundamental than entertainment. “When I looked at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, safety stood out,” said Guo, one of the app’s creators. “It applies to almost everyone.”

Are You Dead Yet? app launched quietly in June 2025 with almost no attention. That changed dramatically in late December, when it went viral on Chinese social platforms. By January 9, it became the number one paid app in China, despite having no advertising budget and costing just 8 RMB (around $1.15) to download.

Why Young People Are Downloading It in Droves

The app’s popularity reflects a deeper social shift. China’s solo-living population is booming, with more than 25 percent of households now consisting of just one person — a figure expected to climb past 30 percent in the coming years.

While elderly people remain the most likely to live alone, a growing number of young professionals are choosing independent lifestyles. For them, Are You Dead Yet offers a low-effort safety net — reassurance that someone will notice if something goes wrong.

Its stark name also plays a role. The blunt question, paired with an interface featuring nothing more than a blank screen and a giant green button, feels oddly comforting. As one fan put it online: “It’s dark, but it makes being alone less scary.”

From Viral Sensation to Investor Magnet

The sudden popularity has drawn serious attention. Guo says the team has been contacted by more than 60 investors, with some offering millions of yuan for a stake in the company. While revenue figures remain undisclosed, the app reportedly cost only $200 to build, making its rise even more remarkable.

Plans are already underway to expand the platform, including the future integration of AI-powered safety monitoring, which Guo describes as an “AI safety companion” for everyday life.

A Name Change Fans Aren’t Happy About

Despite its viral success, the app is undergoing a rebrand. The developers announced that Are You Dead Yet will be renamed Demumu for its global rollout. The name, inspired by viral Chinese toy brand Labubu, is intended to be more internationally marketable.

Fans, however, aren’t thrilled. The most-liked comment on Weibo summed up the backlash: “Your old name is why you went viral.”

Whether Demumu retains the same cultural punch remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — in an era of flashy, bloated apps, this one-button question has struck a nerve.