Here are some highlights, though it’s worth reading the full article, which is pretty short.

People often feel as connected and friendly as in person and sometimes even more so on Zoom.

I was particularly intrigued to read that parties often were more active than in person, perhaps related to the fact that everyone has an equal box on the Zoom checkerboard.

People often improved their behavior, increasing self-awareness after seeing themselves on the video – and not always liking what they saw.

Parties love the convenience as well as the saving of time and expense.  Mediators have long complained about the absence of key decision-makers in in-person mediations, and Zoom enables them to participate more easily.

Considering complaints about “Zoom fatigue,” it may be surprising that many people find Zoom mediations less tiring, perhaps because it’s easier to participate from home.

The settlement rates were similar to those for in-person mediations before the crisis, and sometimes were higher.

Dwight concluded, “Mediating by Zoom is a much more positive experience than they expected and will be a large part of the field in the future.”  This illustrates how parts of what I called the “crisis new normal” may become part of the “normal new normal” after people feel safe to meet in person.

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