Chinese App 'Are You Dead?' to Change Its Name

The popular Chinese app "Are You Dead?", which alerts a designated contact if the user fails to check in every two days, has decided to modify its attention-grabbing name following widespread international media coverage.

The app, known in Chinese as "Sileme," which translates to "Are you dead?", has surged to the top tier of paid apps on China's Apple App Store, capturing the interest of both local and global media.

Designed for individuals living alone, the app allows users to register a contact who will be notified in case of an emergency if the user fails to regularly check in.

The company announced that after comprehensive deliberation, the app will officially transition to using the global name 'Demumu' in its upcoming release.

The app has seen a rapid increase in its international user base following a feature by the British broadcaster BBC, alongside coverage from outlets like AFP.

'Demumu' was already used for the app's international version, while the Chinese version was known as 'Are You Dead?'.

The app's mission remains focused on enhancing personal safety by bringing protective solutions originating from China to a global audience, especially benefiting those who live in solitude.

The rebranding has sparked mixed reactions among users, with some surprised at the decision to change the bold name that divided opinions.

One user on Weibo remarked that the app's name was the key to its viral success, indicating that without it, the app might only appeal in dire situations.

Another observed that the new name diminished the app's distinctive appeal.

The name "Sileme" was cleverly modeled after a well-known food delivery service, "Eleme."

As of 2024, individuals living alone constituted about 20% of households in China, a rise from 15% ten years earlier, according to official statistics.