Once again, sex proves to be a driver for new applications of technology. A Wired article on "toothing" reports on a new use for bluetooth-enabled mobile devices: "strangers on trains and buses and at bars and concerts hook up for clandestine sex by text messaging each other with their Bluetooth-enabled cell phones or PDAs." [Gizmodo posted a report on this practice on March 8.]
The Wired article focuses on this practice as it is emerging in UK. I cannot find any reference to the practice in Japan (though there do seem to be a few other places where people are at least talking about toothing), but I am reminded of the LoveGety craze, and wonder whether "toothing" represents a [natural?] extension to the "get2" setting of those earlier, simpler devices. I’m sure there are cultural issues of which I am herewith exposing my ignorance.
[Update: it appears that toothing is — or started as — a hoax (more on the evolution of toothing can be found at Wikipedia) … leading me to wonder about the extent of the original Lovegety craze, also originally published in Wired).]