Chapter 1: Declutter Your Digital Space

In today’s world, digital decluttering is crucial, yet I've often struggled with it myself. My computer desktop resembles a chaotic pile of papers, making it difficult to locate essential files buried beneath a sea of screenshots and unidentified documents. This struggle extends to my phone, which has become a disorganized collection of apps and folders, resembling a chaotic battlefield of icons.

To address this overwhelming mess, I attempted various strategies: color-coding, creating multiple folders, or even trying to simplify everything into a single folder. Each method resulted in temporary organization followed by a swift return to my old, cluttered habits. The chaos was not only distracting but also stressful, as studies indicate that digital clutter can be just as anxiety-inducing as physical clutter.

Then, a game-changer emerged: the App Library, introduced with iOS 14. Once I started utilizing this feature, I realized it was the solution I had been searching for.

Section 1.2: Simplifying the Decluttering Process

Previously, decluttering my phone felt like a daunting task. Now, it has never been easier. By simply long-pressing an app and selecting “Remove from Home Screen,” I can instantly relocate it to the App Library. It took mere minutes to streamline my apps to one page.

Pro Tip: After setting up your ideal layout, navigate to Settings → Home Screen and choose to have newly downloaded apps appear solely in the App Library. This step will prevent new apps from disrupting your organized layout.

Chapter 2: The Broader Implications of Digital Control

The App Library not only aids in personal organization but also addresses a larger concern: our relationship with technology. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with digital devices, we risk allowing technology to dominate our attention rather than us controlling it. The average American spends around four hours daily on their phones, a figure that is expected to rise.

To regain control, we must utilize technology on our own terms. As Cal Newport, a computer science professor, states, “It’s about embracing technology, but doing so on your terms, instead of the terms of the technology companies themselves.”

The ability to customize our home screen may seem trivial, but it’s a vital step in ensuring technology serves our needs. Since decluttering my phone, my screen time has decreased to approximately two hours a day. I no longer find myself flipping through app pages out of boredom. Additionally, I've disabled most notification badges, and I’ve adjusted my Notification Center settings to reduce distractions.

The App Library has become the essential tool I needed to reclaim control over my phone. If you give it a try, it might just be the first step in tackling your own digital clutter.

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