o, I didn't hiccup. You read it correctly the first time. Local HookUpz aims to attract the Gen Y generation, but anyone (literally) that has internet access can join.

The main page of this site features a photograph of an attractive Asian girl in front of a graffiti mural. That pretty much sums this site up -  the promise of friendship, sex, and love in an electronic urban jungle.

While the site has an excellent user-friendly platform, I find one particular thing VERY disturbing : I can perform a search on potential 'dates' aged 13-99. Say that again? Thirteen?!?

What the … [insert four letter word]!

This lead me to do a little investigation on the site’s policies. According to the sites stated privacy policy: "Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important. For that reason, we never collect or maintain information at our website from those we actually know are under 13, and no part of our website is structured to attract anyone under 13".

Since when is placing thirteen year old children in the company of an adult dating site acceptable? One can argue that sites like MySpace do the same thing - but MySpace profiles for children under the age of 16 are inaccessible to random viewers. This is NOT the case for Local Hookupz.

While they're not overtly promoting illegal and unethical relationships, this is a site that's obviously inviting trouble. I would suggest that you steer clear of it! You do not want to get caught up in THAT kind of whirlwind.

Local Hookupz

Posted by Renee.