Quick Start
Install Dialog Lab, set up your account, and start your first conversation.
What is Dialog Lab?
Dialog Lab pairs you one-on-one with someone who holds a different view on a topic you care about. An AI moderator stays in the chat to keep the conversation civil.
Install the app
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Search for Dialog Lab, or follow the App Store link from joindialoglab.com.
- Tap Get, then open Dialog Lab.
- Allow notifications when prompted — you will need them to hear about matches.
First-time setup
On first launch, walk through onboarding (a few minutes, once):
- Sign in with Apple, Google, or email.
- Create a handle, home state, and avatar (visible to partners).
- Review the Rules of Engagement, enable notifications, and accept the terms.
When onboarding finishes, Dialog Lab opens on the Topics tab so you can mark stances right away.
You can change avatar and home state later under Profile.
Start a conversation
- Mark topics. In the Topics tab, thumbs up or down on issues you care about. You are only matched on topics you have marked. Learn more
- Get matched. From the Convos tab, tap Express Match — or start a search from a specific topic's detail page. Dialog Lab searches for a partner with an opposing view. Learn more
- Chat. Share why you hold your view, respond to your partner, and let the AI moderator keep things on track. Learn more
- Reflect. When the conversation ends, leave feedback on how it went — including whether you felt heard. Learn more
Matching can take a while
Finding a partner may take time when fewer people are online. Keep notifications on and leave matching running if you can.
Where to go next
- Picking Topics Mark your stances so you can be matched.
- Starting a Discussion Get matched and enter your first chat.
- Matchmaking Waiting states, notifications, and what to expect.
- Moderation Rules of engagement and how the AI moderator works.
- How to Get Support Report issues and reach the Dialog Lab team.
Troubleshooting
- Cannot sign in — Try Apple, Google, or email again. For email sign-in, check spam for the confirmation link or code.
- No match notifications — Enable notifications for Dialog Lab in iOS Settings. Without them, keep the app open while searching.
- Bugs or crashes — Screenshot the problem and email the team — or see How to Get Support.