Viral app for people living alone in China, 'Si Le Me', returns with a new name and funding
The app 'Si Le Me' (Did you die?), which went viral for monitoring people living alone, has returned as 'Zai Me Zai Me' (Are you there?) after securing funding and partnering with Hangzhou authorities.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 18:10
- 🔍 Collected: May 26, 2026 at 18:31 (21 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 31, 2026 at 19:50 (121h 18m after Collected)
Central News Agency, Shanghai, May 26. The app 'Si Le Me' (Did you die?), designed for people living alone in China, has returned to the market under the new name 'Zai Me Zai Me' (Are you there?) after being abruptly removed in January. The app is currently awaiting approval from app stores. The team has secured funding and is collaborating with Hangzhou authorities to pilot the service in certain districts. According to Yicai, the app went viral in January, addressing the safety anxieties of China's 125 million people living alone. Founder Lu Gongchen stated that the new name was crowdsourced and is considered more friendly and memorable. The upgraded 'Zai Me Zai Me' features large fonts and a simple interface, making it more accessible for the elderly. Users check in daily via their smartphones; if they fail to check in for two consecutive days, the system automatically alerts family members or emergency contacts. Additionally, for elderly users without smartphones, the team has partnered with Hangzhou to launch a physical 'safety button' that triggers notifications in emergencies.
FAQ
What is the background of the app for people living alone in China?
It addresses the social issue of ensuring the safety of the 125 million people living alone in China.