I've had a revelation! I recently stumbled upon a feature in Safari that has absolutely transformed my news-reading experience, and I'm kicking myself for not discovering it sooner. It's called "Hide Distracting Items," and it's nothing short of a miracle.
What is "Hide Distracting Items" and How Does It Work?
Essentially, this feature allows Safari to intelligently identify and conceal non-essential elements on a webpage. Think of it as a built-in ad-blocker and content declutterer all rolled into one. It doesn't just block ads; it hides banners, social media widgets, newsletter sign-up prompts, and all the other visual noise that clutters up so many websites.
The best part? It's incredibly simple to use. While viewing a webpage in Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, here's how you access it:
- On iPhone/iPad: Tap the "aA" icon in the address bar (usually on the left). In the dropdown menu, you'll see "Hide Distracting Items." Tap it, and watch the magic happen!
- On Mac: Click "View" in the Safari menu bar at the top of your screen. You'll find "Hide Distracting Items" in the dropdown.
My Experience with the Manchester Evening News (and Beyond!)
Before this discovery, trying to read an article on the Manchester Evening News was an exercise in frustration. Every scroll was interrupted by a new advert or a demand to sign up for something. Now, with "Hide Distracting Items" enabled, the site transforms into a clean, readable page. The articles are front and centre, as they should be.
This isn't just limited to news sites either. I've found it incredibly effective on a wide range of content-heavy websites that rely heavily on advertising. It makes reading articles, recipes, blog posts – essentially anything with a significant body of text – a far more enjoyable and less distracting experience.
Why You Should Try It
If you're tired of the web feeling like an obstacle course of promotions and pop-ups, I urge you to give Safari's "Hide Distracting Items" a try. It's a built-in solution that requires no third-party extensions and works seamlessly across your Apple devices.
It won't block every single ad, especially those embedded directly into the content, but it significantly reduces the visual clutter and dramatically improves readability. For a cleaner, calmer, and more focused Browse experience, this feature is an absolute must-use.
Have you tried "Hide Distracting Items" before? What are your thoughts? Share your experiences in the comments below!
