Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing many industries, including alternative dispute resolution. New AI systems like TheMediator.AI is showing promise for handling and augmenting mediation. AI may be able to fully mediate many simple cases on its own and provide useful assistance for more complex situations that still require human mediators. Here are some of the potential benefits of using AI in mediation:
Faster Preparation and Research
AI can quickly analyze case details and provide mediators with relevant background information. For example, an AI assistant can scan legal documents and precedents to summarize key issues and positions. This allows the mediator to get up to speed more efficiently.
Suggesting Questions and Approaches
Based on case specifics, AI can recommend mediation strategies and generate appropriate open-ended questions to help draw out parties’ interests and move discussions forward. This can supplement a mediator’s own skills and experience.
Providing Neutral Perspective
Unlike humans, AI lacks inherent biases. It can logically analyze both sides of a dispute and offer impartial suggestions. AI may be seen as more neutral than a human mediator in some cases.
Simulating Scenarios
AI excels at rapidly exploring hypotheticals through “what-if” scenarios. This can help parties visualize different options and solutions they may not have considered before.
Automating Administrative Work
AI can handle various mediation-related administrative tasks like scheduling, document generation, and follow-ups. This frees up mediator time for higher-level engagement with parties.
For simple mediation cases, AI may be able to fully replace human mediators. But for more complex situations requiring deeper empathy, understanding, and rapport, skilled human mediators remain irreplaceable. The best approach is likely a hybrid one with mediators leveraging AI’s strengths while relying on their own judgment and abilities when needed. With the right balance, thoughtfully integrating AI into the process can enhance mediation services and outcomes.
Mediation is undergoing a transformation with the rise of AI tools. This article explores how AI can assist human mediators – or even fully mediate simple cases.
