A method for manipulating graphical user interface elements includes displaying a plurality of elements on a touch screen of an electronic device. Based on a first touch screen contact detected on a first side of the electronic device and a slide contact detected on a second side of the electronic device, a first touch screen element is selected and the non-selected touch screen element(s) are manipulated relative to the first element. The slide contact can be interpreted by the electronic device as a drag, push, or rotate relative to the first element. Various features of the slide movement, such as the speed, the length, the pressure, the direction, and/or the pattern may affect the manipulation of the non-selected elements.