Leading Privacy and Safety Advocate Encourages Reality Television's Upcoming Online Dating Documentary To Address Dating Safety

Leading Privacy and Safety Advocate Encourages Reality Television's Upcoming Online Dating Documentary To Address Dating Safety

BOSTON, July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Once it was courtship's fringe and last resort, but the online dating scene now attracts 27 million people per month, according to research. They herald from many walks of life and parts of the country. The exploding popularity on online dating has attracted the attention of reality television producers, with ABC planning to air a five-part series, "Hooking Up," beginning July 14.

"I think a reality television show about online dating reflects the times," said Robert Siciliano, a nationally televised and quoted authority on personal safety and privacy. "These shows tend to chronicle popular culture, and online dating is a huge part of daily life for the vast majority of singles."

For many singles, online dating has achieved legitimacy, but stereotypical dregs still lurk online, preying on the unsuspecting. A need for safety, the reality ever since dating had nothing to do with the Internet, remains the reality for all who date online, says a well-known security expert who launched an online dating safety campaign earlier this year.

"What I'd love to see ABC's show about online dating broach is the critical importance of safety for those who seek mates online," Siciliano continued. "Safety ought to be an integrated reflex in society, a staple of popular culture. Safety is every online dater's responsibility."

In May, Siciliano launched an "Online Dating Safety" campaign to highlight the oft-ignored dangers Internet-based dating. He believes the circumstances of dating inherently leave people susceptible to the psychological and situational predicates that allow violence or other crimes to occur.

"When you meet a new romantic interest, you let down your guard," said Siciliano. "You begin to spend time with a stranger as if he or she is an old friend. This person gains access to your home and every aspect of your life. Your personal information and personal space are no longer as personal. It's a recipe for disaster."

For a copy of Robert Siciliano's Safe Dating Tips, visit: http://www.idtheftsecurity.com/Releases/MPLsafetytips.June1.pdf

Robert Siciliano, President of SafetyMinute Seminars, provides consumer education solutions to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. He is available to discuss online safety and privacy for online daters. Siciliano also leads personal safety and security seminars nationwide. Visit his web site at: http://www.idtheftsecurity.com/. Call for more information at: 1 (888) SICILIANO (742-4542). Visit Siciliano's blog at http://www.idtheftsecurity.blogspot.com/.

Source: SafetyMinute Seminars

CONTACT: Neil Vineberg of VINEBERG COMMUNICATIONS, +1-631-288-6933, or Neil@VinebergCommunications.com

Web site: http://www.idtheftsecurity.com/ http://www.idtheftsecurity.blogspot.com/

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