A mobile application named "Sileme," which translates to "Are You Dead?" and is designed for people living alone in China, is rapidly gaining popularity.
The "Global Times" publication reported on this.
The service asks users to report their status daily. If a user does not register on the app for two consecutive days, the system sends a notification to the email of the person they designated as a contact. This mechanism allows loved ones to quickly find out if any incident has befallen the person.
The app is topping the charts for the most downloaded paid applications on the "App Store." According to the developers, downloads have been in the hundreds in recent days. The app costs 8 yuan (approximately 1.95 cents).
Its creators call "Sileme" a light safety tool for people living alone.
The project was created as an independent startup by three young entrepreneurs under the age of 30. The app has gone viral in China and is widely discussed on social media. However, some users dislike the app's name and suggest calling it "Hupzheme" ("Are You Alive?").
According to critics, the current name contradicts Chinese cultural traditions. Nevertheless, few people deny the practical benefit of the service. Users note that "Sileme" is useful not only for the elderly but also for young people living alone. (axsam)