China gloom: The 'Are you dead?' app is dead and a 'crying horse' plushie is selling out

As inflation becomes a pressing concern for Americans, many in China are grappling with deflation and economic uncertainty. A visit to Gao Lan, a toy shop in Beijing, reveals a peculiar trend: a frowning horse plushie, dubbed the 'crying horse,' has become an unexpected bestseller for the Year of the Horse. This plush toy gained popularity after a factory error resulted in its smile being sewn upside down, resonating deeply with the sentiments of the Chinese populace. Gao, the shop owner, remarked, "Nowadays, there is so much stress in our society. The crying horse reflects how people feel inside." In another reflection of societal anxiety, the app 'Are You Dead?' (Sileme), developed by Moonscape Technologies, had captured the attention of the public earlier this year. Designed to provide reassurance to those living alone, the app allows users to check in daily. If they fail to do so for 48 hours, it alerts their designated emergency contacts. Ian Lü, the co-founder, shared, "We understood the need to check in with someone, especially since many of us live alone in big cities." Despite its initial success on the App Store, the app faced scrutiny from government authorities. Following criticism regarding its name, the developers rebranded it to 'Demumu.' Nonetheless, it was subsequently removed from the App Store due to alleged non-compliance with regulations concerning public order and morals, as explained by Apple. China's demographic shifts, including a rising number of elderly individuals living alone and a declining marriage rate, have contributed to a growing sense of isolation. Currently, about one in six households in China consists of a single resident. This trend has led to unique dining experiences, such as private booths at McDonald's, which have gone viral as a reflection of the increasing number of solo diners. In this environment of loneliness and anxiety, the 'crying horse' plushie has emerged as a poignant symbol, capturing the collective mood of a society seeking comfort amidst uncertainty. "There is a lot of bitterness and a feeling of unfairness," said Xiao Juan, a customer at Gao's store. "If you can't cry out loud, this horse can cry for you."