The rise of Online Dispute Resolution has lead to some debate over its effectiveness and the benefits of its use. According to some scholars, computer-mediated communication (CMC), which is inextricably linked with ODR, facilitates the interaction process through the use of computers; however, with e-negotiation, for example, it is also believed that [CMC] can undercut the effectiveness of negotiation and lead to “misunderstandings, sinister attributions, and ultimately, negotiation impasse.”

The adoption of ODR services by major ADR service providers should not come as a surprise, especially considering the assortment of providers solely dedicated to ODR that exist on the Internet. As mentioned before, over 60 providers of ODR currently exist.

Online Dispute Resolution, naturally, exists online. Attempting a general Internet search for ODR providers will provide a potentially overwhelming amount of results. Currently, over 60 academically recognized ORD providers exist.

Online Dispute Resolution means exactly what it says: it is a method of resolving disputes through the use of an “online” system (the Internet). However, there is some ambiguity as to what this could entail.