Cybermediation

Cybermediation refers to the use of technology, particularly the internet and digital platforms, to facilitate and conduct mediation processes. It is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party, the mediator, helps disputing parties reach a mutually agreeable solution, but the entire process, or significant parts of it, occurs remotely through digital channels.

This can encompass various forms of communication such as email, secure online portals, video conferencing, and specialized mediation software. Cybermediation offers advantages like increased accessibility, reduced travel costs, and greater flexibility in scheduling. It can be particularly useful for parties located in different geographical regions or when face-to-face meetings are impractical due to logistical or health concerns.

The core principles of traditional mediation, such as confidentiality, impartiality, and voluntariness, are generally maintained in cybermediation. However, challenges can arise regarding technology access and proficiency among participants, ensuring the security and privacy of communications, and the potential for misinterpretation in non-verbal cues during remote interactions. Effective cybermediation requires mediators to possess not only strong mediation skills but also technical competence and an understanding of online communication dynamics.