Toothing
From ArticleWorld
In March 2004 rumors circulated that people were using the technology of Bluetooth capable cell phones and handheld organizers to set up sexual interludes. This rumored phenomenon was termed “Toothing.”
By the beginning of April 2004 the forum creators who generated the hoax admitted that they fabricated the entire thing. The forum was created by the editor of “Edge,” a gaming magazine and his journalist counterpart, Ste Curran. Although the two had created “Toothing” as a hoax on a web-based forum, it combined two very plausible subjects of wireless connectivity and the search for a sex partner.
Bluetooth enabled devices have the ability to send a signal to identify other Bluetooth devices within a 30 foot radius of the originating device. The rumor indicated that an initial messages, reading “Toothing?” would be send as a greeting.
Because Bluetooth devices operate on a shortwave wireless principal, it is unlikely that “Toothing” would take off in mainstream population, although it is not entirely inconceivable to think that in small settings it might be a common occurance as a form of social networking.
Software developers have taken advantage of the idea of “Toothing” and have created software enabling users to connect. Examples are DodgeBall, Cellphedia and MamJam. A related term is MoSoSo (Mobile Social Software).