Dialog Lab
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Matchmaking

How pairing works, waiting states, and what affects your matches.

How pairing works

Dialog Lab matches you one-on-one with another user who holds an opposing view on a topic you have both marked. There is no carousel of profiles to swipe through — the system selects a topic and partner for you.

Matching considers:

  • Topics both users have marked with opposing stances (support vs oppose).
  • Whether you started a broad search (all marked topics) or a single-topic search from a Topic Detail Page.
  • Who is currently available in the matchable pool.
Matching can take a while During slower periods, finding a partner may take longer. Keep notifications enabled, mark several topics, and consider leaving matching running while you go about your day.

From the Convos tab, tap Express Match to enter the matchable pool — or start from a specific topic on its detail page. While searching:

  • The Convos hero shows your current status.
  • You can cancel at any time to leave the pool.
  • You can add topics without restarting a broad search.

If you start a single-topic search while a broader search is already running, the app may ask whether to replace your current search.

Cancelling has no penalty — you can start again whenever you are ready.

Waiting phases

As your search progresses, the lobby may show different states:

Phase What it means
Searching for a Partner Actively looking for a match on your marked topics.
Taking a While No match yet. You can keep waiting or opt to be notified.
We’ll notify you You can leave the app — Dialog Lab will push a notification when a match is found.
Match preview A partner was found. Review the topic and stances before chat opens.
Searching
Taking a while
We'll notify you
Notifications required to leave If you denied notification permission, you must keep the app open while searching. The lobby will prompt you to enable notifications in Settings.
Enable notifications

Match preview

Before chat begins, you see which topic was selected and each person’s viewpoint — for example, “You supported this” and your partner opposed it. A short countdown gives both people time to prepare, then you are taken directly into the chat.

Match preview

If your match cancels

Sometimes a partner declines or cancels before chat starts. Dialog Lab returns you to searching automatically. This is normal when the matchable pool is small.

Match cancelled

Tips for better matches

  1. Mark several topics to widen the pool.
  2. Keep notifications enabled.
  3. Add topics while waiting if the search is taking a while.
  4. Tap Express Match and leave matching running during slow periods — a match may arrive later.