Artificial intelligence agents in mediation: Friend or Foe?

The human-centred nature of mediation means that mediators are at low risk of replacement by AI or AI-associated technologies. The more likely scenario, at least in the median term, is an augmentation of practice. In this paper, I consider the use of consumer generative AI tools by parties in the preparation for mediation. I analyse the advice three different AI tools give to parties in the preparation for mediation and analyse this advice through the lens of mediation principles. Finally, I highlight what mediators may need to consider in the era of readily available straight to consumer AI agents.