First of all, dialogue needs to be defined and distinguished from other forms of communication. A core differentiation of dialogue from other forms of discussion is that we must suspend our knowing . In dialogue, we are seeking to get to the level of understanding and examining our assumptions. When differences are explored in a dialogue, the process asks us to hold the tension of different viewpoints without debate. To do this, we must be willing to expose our assumptions, suspend judgment, and listen deeply.
Dialogue is a challenging way to communicate.
It goes against our Western skills of problem solving, of debate, of getting to the right answer. Engaging in dialogue electronically is even more challenging. One source suggested that information sharing is ALL that should be attempted via e-mail. Attempts at online dialogue short circuits when individuals make interpretations, leading to debate, which increases defensiveness, which leads to more debate, etc. The predictable result of this pattern is that people bail out.