A Chinese app that asks users a blunt daily question, “Are you dead yet?”, has unexpectedly become the most downloaded paid app in China. While the name sounds dark, the idea behind it is simple: making sure people who live alone are safe.

The app’s sudden popularity shows how Gen Z is thinking about independence, loneliness and safety in modern city life.

What Is the App About?
‘Are You Dead Yet?’ is a daily check-in app. Users tap a button once a day to confirm they are okay. If they stop responding, the app alerts someone they trust.

There are no long forms, no tracking and no social feed — just one question, once a day.

How Does It Work?

The app keeps things minimal:

  • Users set up an emergency contact

  • They tap a button daily to show they are safe

  • If there is no response for two days in a row, the app emails the contact, asking them to check on the user in person.

That’s it. No GPS, no constant notifications.

Why Gen Z Is Downloading It

The app’s rise has been driven mainly by young people living alone in big cities. Many users say it fits their lifestyle — independent, busy, and often far from family.

Living Alone Is More Common Now

More young adults in China are choosing to live on their own for work or freedom. State media Global Times estimates that one-person households could reach 200 million by 2030.

With that independence comes a new concern: what if something goes wrong and no one notices?

The App Matches a Real Fear

Online comments show that many users relate to the idea behind the app. The fear isn’t dramatic — it’s practical. Falling sick, fainting, or having an accident at home with no one around is a real worry for people living solo.

The Name Gets Attention

The app’s direct and uncomfortable name helped it spread fast on social media. Some users joke about it, others feel uneasy, but many admit it made them stop scrolling.

When Did It Take Off?

The app launched in May last year and went mostly unnoticed. That changed on January 9, when it suddenly topped paid app charts in China.

Is It Free?

The app was initially free but is now paid. It costs 8 yuan (just over $1). Despite the fee, downloads have continued to grow.

Who Built It?

According to Wired, the app was created by three Gen Z founders, all born after 1995. Working with a small team, they built the app around the same anxieties their generation is experiencing.

The developers have also said they want the app to support elderly people living alone, not just young users.

Why It Matters

‘Are You Dead Yet?’ isn’t about technology innovation. It’s about changing lives. Its success shows how younger generations are openly talking about loneliness, safety and independence — even if it means asking uncomfortable questions.