ALBAWABA - The internet is going insane over a Chinese app called "Are You Dead?", which is spreading not only in China but also around the world. The "Are You Dead?" app is mostly downloaded by young people living alone away from their families.
Death is a taboo subject in Chinese culture, and the word itself is so frowned upon that many buildings in China do not have a fourth floor because the words for "4" and "death" sound similar.
How does the "Are You Dead?" app work?
People living alone in remote areas who may be at risk, or perceived as such by friends or relatives, can tap a big green circle on their phone screen and send proof of safety over the internet to a friend or relative.
Otherwise, if a person misses sending daily checks for several days, the app will automatically notify the user's emergency contact.
Associated Press said, "It's simple and straightforward. It's essentially a 21st-century Chinese digital version of those American-made alarm clocks for the elderly, costing 8 yuan (about $1.10)."
The "Are You Dead?" app, which was developed by three young men in their twenties, has became the most downloaded paid app on Apple's App Store in China last week, according to local media reports.
