An interesting app called Are You Dead? has taken over China. It functions on a simple principle. The registered user must log into the app every two days to confirm that they are alive. If they fail to do so, the app notifies the user’s emergency contact and informs them that the user may be in some kind of trouble.
New ‘Are You Dead?’ app becomes a hit in China
China’s viral Are You Dead? app has taken the nation by storm. Moonscape Technologies launched it in May last year. However, at the time of its release, it met with a lukewarm response. But since the past couple of weeks, the aforementioned app has gotten a new lease of life among the younger population living alone in China’s metropolitan cities (via BBC).
Moonscape Technologies described the app as a “safety company companion… whether you’re a solo office worker, a student living away from home, or anyone choosing a solitary lifestyle.” These youngsters, who live away from their families and loved ones, are rapidly downloading this app on their smartphones.
It has now become the most downloaded paid app in China, priced at $1.15. Moonscape Technologies revealed they are trying to reach out to one-person households who are living alone, away from their families. Chinese state media outlet Global Times reported that, according to research institutions, by 2030, 200 million people in China could be living alone.
Chinese youngsters are reportedly in awe of the app and its functioning. One user believes the Are You Dead? app is beneficial to introverts, those unemployed, and those emotionally or mentally vulnerable. The user said, “People who live alone at any stage of their life need something like this, as do introverts, those with depression, the unemployed, and others in vulnerable situations.”
A second user reiterated revealing the app is most useful for notifying their loved ones about their safety. The user commented, “There is a fear that people living alone might die unnoticed, with no one to call for help. I sometimes wonder, if I died alone, who would collect my body?”
However, a certain section of the audience is averse to the app due to its bleak-sounding name, fearing it might bring ill fortune. Hence, they suggest the developers change it something more positive, like “Are you okay?” or “How are you?”
Moonscape Technologies revealed they take customer feedback seriously and are weighing a potential name change for the Are You Dead? app. One of the founders, Mr. Guo, told the Chinese media that they are looking to expand their target audience to elderly people and pensioners who are living by themselves.
Originally reported by Anwaya Mane on Mandatory.
