Cross Talk

"Cross talk" during an Internet and Technology Addiction Anonymous (I.T.A.A.) meeting typically means giving direct advice to others who have already shared, speaking directly to another person rather than to the group, telling another member what to think or how to act, and questioning or interrupting the person who is sharing and speaking at the time.

Avoidance of cross talk is considered a safety feature of the meetings. Unlike group therapy, I.T.A.A. members share their own experience, strength, and hope with one another, rather than telling others what to do or what they should think.

In the Internet and Technology Addiction Anonymous meetings, members refrain from cross talk. The idea is for members to speak only about their own feelings and experiences and accept without comment what others say because whatever they say is true for them.

I.T.A.A. members work toward taking responsibility in their own lives, rather than giving advice to others.

The following represents examples of what Internet and Technology Addiction Anonymous calls "cross talk":

•          dominating

•          unsolicited feedback

•          debating

•          advice-giving

•          criticizing

•          "you" and "we" statements

•          interrogating

•          controlling

•          self avoidance

•          answering

•          talking directly to others