A new Chinese app, dubbed Are You Dead?, has sparked debate about how society should handle the growing number of people dying alone. The app's creators claim it aims to address this issue by sending automated alerts to emergency contacts if a user misses consecutive check-ins.
For 43-year-old Xiong Sisi, living alone in Shanghai, the app is both practical and comforting. She had previously worried about what would happen to her body after she passed away, with no family or friends to claim it. The app's simple concept – daily check-ins that trigger alerts for emergency contacts if a user misses two consecutive days – resonates deeply with her.
Xiong Sisi is not alone in her concerns. The growing trend of people living alone in China has sparked anxiety about the potential for social isolation and loneliness, particularly among women who feel liberated by their independence but may struggle to find human connection.
Some experts point to China's notorious "996" work culture, which leaves workers toiling from 9am to 9pm six days a week, as a major factor in this growing concern. The intense competition and pressure to succeed can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and stress.
Analysts believe that the app taps into a broader psychological phenomenon – the "loneliness economy" – where technology is filling the gap left by human connection. This trend has been fueled by the rise of AI companions and social media platforms like RedNote, which provide an outlet for women to express their independence and connect with others.
While some experts welcome the app's premise, they argue that it could be improved by adding more complexity, such as a facility for users to call for help earlier. Others have criticized the app's original name, describing it as inauspicious or vulgar.
As the app continues to gain popularity, its creators are refining its name and exploring new features. Despite the controversy surrounding its removal from China's Apple App Store and censorship, Lü remains optimistic about the app's potential to address a growing concern worldwide – the safety of people living alone.
For 43-year-old Xiong Sisi, living alone in Shanghai, the app is both practical and comforting. She had previously worried about what would happen to her body after she passed away, with no family or friends to claim it. The app's simple concept – daily check-ins that trigger alerts for emergency contacts if a user misses two consecutive days – resonates deeply with her.
Xiong Sisi is not alone in her concerns. The growing trend of people living alone in China has sparked anxiety about the potential for social isolation and loneliness, particularly among women who feel liberated by their independence but may struggle to find human connection.
Some experts point to China's notorious "996" work culture, which leaves workers toiling from 9am to 9pm six days a week, as a major factor in this growing concern. The intense competition and pressure to succeed can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and stress.
Analysts believe that the app taps into a broader psychological phenomenon – the "loneliness economy" – where technology is filling the gap left by human connection. This trend has been fueled by the rise of AI companions and social media platforms like RedNote, which provide an outlet for women to express their independence and connect with others.
While some experts welcome the app's premise, they argue that it could be improved by adding more complexity, such as a facility for users to call for help earlier. Others have criticized the app's original name, describing it as inauspicious or vulgar.
As the app continues to gain popularity, its creators are refining its name and exploring new features. Despite the controversy surrounding its removal from China's Apple App Store and censorship, Lü remains optimistic about the app's potential to address a growing concern worldwide – the safety of people living alone.
Sending automated alerts for us when we forget to breathe or take a shower? It sounds like just another way to perpetuate our reliance on tech rather than actually addressing the root causes of loneliness and isolation. And that name "Are You Dead?" is straight-up cringeworthy 
. I get that they're trying to tackle a serious issue, but can't we come up with something more thoughtful?
And I'm all for women expressing their independence on social media platforms like RedNote, it's great that they have an outlet to vent about how stressful life can be. But at the same time, let's not forget that just because we have technology that can help us feel less lonely doesn't mean we're solving the real problem 
. The app could definitely use some more complexity and flexibility in its design, like you said... maybe a way for users to reach out for help sooner rather than later? That would be super helpful 
, the more i realize how important human connection is in our lives. as we get older, we tend to live longer, but also spend more time alone 
. apps like this one are trying to fill that gap, and while some might say they're just a Band-Aid solution, at least they're acknowledging the problem 
. personally, i think it's great that there's a platform where people can express their concerns and connect with others 
. and who knows? maybe this app will start a conversation about how we can better support each other when we need it most 
.
Let's talk about how to create a better work-life balance instead of relying on apps to fill the voids in our lives. And can we please rethink the name "Are You Dead?"? That's just gross 
... and yeah, the 996 work culture in China is wild 
... people need a break from that stress and anxiety 
. But at the same time, I worry about how reliant we are on tech to solve our problems 
... like, what if it's not enough? 
. On one hand, it's cool that they're trying to tackle the issue of loneliness and social isolation, especially for women who are living on their own. I mean, Xiong Sisi's story is heartbreaking but also super relatable - who hasn't worried about what happens to our bodies after we pass away? 
i mean, we r already livin in a world where tech is making us feel more connected but also more lonely 
dont get me wrong, im all 4 innovation but this app seems like a good start 2 address the issue. i wish ppl wd think about the mental health aspect of livin alone n how its affecting them 
. It's like, no one wants a reminder that they're dead when all they want to do is live their best life 
. But on a more serious note, it's great that this app is sparking conversations about loneliness and social isolation. We need to start talking about these issues more, especially in countries where people are living longer but not necessarily happier lives 
.
.
, but like, let's focus on the fact that it's helping people 
!
... I mean, who hasn't worried about being all alone when they're gone? It's just that we've never had an easy way to tell our loved ones what to expect if something happens to us. But I guess it's better than people not knowing at all