Have you ever thought about how to let your family know that you're still alive without having to constantly check in with them? Well, now there's an app that can do just that.
Called 'Are You Dead?', or Si Le Ma? in Chinese, this mobile app is available for just 99p in the UK. It's simple to use - all you have to do is tap a large green button with a cartoon ghost on it every two days to let the app know you're still alive. But if you forget, don't worry - the app will automatically contact your designated emergency contact and let them know that you may be in trouble.
Your emergency contact will receive a notification that says, "An important notice. I'm [name]. I've been inactive for multiple consecutive days. Please come check on my physical condition." With just one tap, your loved ones will know that you're safe.
But what's even more convenient is that you don't even need to create an account or input your personal information to use the app. It's no wonder that Demumu, the UK version of the app, is currently one of the most downloaded utility apps on the Apple App Store.
The app is designed for solo travelers, students studying abroad, and people who live a solitary lifestyle. Its description reads, "Alone but not lonely, safety by your side." And although the concept may seem a bit morbid, the app has become extremely popular in China since its launch last June.
In a country where death is considered a taboo subject, with centuries of tradition and religion influencing people's views, the app has received some criticism for its name. Some users on the social media platform Weibo have suggested changing the name to "Are You Alive?" to avoid any negative connotations.
But the app's founder, Lü, has no plans to change the name. He believes that death is something everyone must face, and that knowing the point of our own death can help us better appreciate the present.
The team behind 'Are You Dead?' is made up of just three people born in the 1990s. And while the app may remind some people of Bridget Jones fearing she would die alone and be forgotten, its purpose is much more serious. It aims to provide peace of mind for users and their loved ones.
One of the main inspirations for the app came from conversations Lü saw online about people's fear of dying alone and no one noticing. This is a real concern for many people, especially in a society where more and more individuals are living alone. In fact, it is predicted that by 2030, 200 million people in China will be living by themselves.
In the UK, the number of people living alone has also been on the rise, with 8.4 million people living on their own in 2018. This is up 11% from the previous year, with the majority of solo dwellers being elderly individuals.
Lü also acknowledges that concerns about older people falling or becoming ill without anyone knowing were a driving force behind the creation of the app. And with the recent surge in popularity, the 'Are You Dead?' team has been flooded with interview requests and calls from investors.
In a recent post on their Weibo account, the team shared their motto: "We only have one life. I firmly believe that we Chinese are no less capable than anyone else." It's clear that the app has struck a chord with many people, and its success only goes to show that we all have a fundamental need for connection and reassurance, even in the face of taboo subjects like death.
