China’s Hottest App Is a Daily Test of Whether You’re Still Alive

In China, there is an app that has taken the country by storm. It is not a social media platform or a shopping app, but rather a daily health monitoring tool that has become incredibly popular among Chinese citizens. The app, called “Are You Alive?” prompts users to answer a series of questions every day to determine whether they are still alive.

The questions range from simple tasks like touching your nose with your eyes closed to more complex challenges like solving a math problem under a time limit. Users are scored based on their performance and are encouraged to compete with friends and family to see who can achieve the highest scores.

Many users have reported feeling a sense of accomplishment and motivation from using the app, as it pushes them to stay active and mentally sharp. Some have even credited the app with helping them detect early signs of health issues and seek medical attention sooner.

However, the app has also faced criticism for potentially causing unnecessary anxiety and stress among users, as failing to complete the daily challenges can result in a lower score and a feeling of inadequacy. Some have expressed concern about the app’s impact on mental health and its focus on competition rather than overall well-being.

Despite these concerns, “Are You Alive?” continues to be one of the most popular apps in China, with millions of downloads and daily active users. Its unique approach to health monitoring and gamification has captured the attention of the Chinese public and sparked discussions about the intersection of technology and wellness.

As the app continues to grow in popularity, it raises important questions about the ways in which technology can be used to promote positive health habits and the potential drawbacks of relying on digital tools for self-care. Whether “Are You Alive?” is ultimately a force for good or a source of stress remains to be seen, but its impact on Chinese society is undeniable.