Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Chinese App for Solo Living Goes Viral
There's a new app in China called Sileme, which means 'Are you dead?'
in English.
It's for people who live alone, like students or people who work by themselves.
The app makes sure you're safe by asking you to check in every two days.
If you don't check in, it sends a message to your emergency contact.
The app has become very popular, and now the company is going to charge a small fee for it.
They're also changing the name to Demumu for people outside of China.
Some people on the internet like the name and don't want it to change, but others think it's helpful for people who live alone to feel safer.
The app Sileme, which translates to 'Are you dead?', has gone viral in China, targeting people living alone.
It sends automatic notifications if the user doesn't check in for consecutive days, ensuring their safety.
The app's popularity has led to the introduction of a subscription fee and a name change to Demumu for its global launch.
China has up to 200 million one-person households, with a solo living rate exceeding 30%.
Netizens have mixed reactions to the name change, with some suggesting alternative names like 'Are you alive' or 'Are you there.'
- Who
- Developers of the Sileme/Demumu app, a team of three born after 1995
- What
- An app that sends notifications if users don't check in, aimed at people living alone
- When
- The app has recently gone viral, with the company announcing a subscription fee and a name change
- Where
- China, with plans to launch globally as Demumu
- Why
- To provide a safety tool for solo dwellers, which has gained popularity and prompted the company to introduce a subscription fee and change its name for a global audience
- App Name
- Sileme (Chinese), Demumu (Global)
- Translation
- Are you dead?
- Target Users
- People living alone, including students and solo workers
- Functionality
- Sends automatic notifications if user doesn't check in for consecutive days
- Downloads
- Surging, currently number two on Apple's paid app chart
- Subscription Fee
- 8 yuan ($1.15) or HK$8
- One-Person Households in China
- Up to 200 million, with a solo living rate exceeding 30%
