REUTERS — Mar 11 — A British internet journalist set up a website two years ago filled with fictional accounts from friends who claimed to have used Bluetooth technology to make contact for a chat, romance or even sex — a practice the site dubbed "toothing." News organizations across the world, including Reuters, The Guardian, the BBC and Wired News, fell for the story and reported that "toothing" had taken off among commuters. A year later the journalist behind the site published an online confession claiming it was an elaborate hoax to prove he could create a new sexual buzzword. "I tried some tests on the underground and pubs and found lots of cell phones were turned on and used for 'toothing,' which was strange because I thought it was a joke too," said a Milan DJ. To play, you need you need to activate the Bluetooth facility available on your mobile phone, which will then show a list of people within a few yards who are also active. Then write a message and press send. Young men in Dubai have been using the technology to contact women in public places, according to the BBC's website.
The full article was originally published at Wired News, but is no longer available.
