What is the purpose of using aria-hidden="true" on decorative elements?

The purpose of using aria-hidden="true" on decorative elements is to allow screen readers to ignore them. Decorative elements, such as icons or images that do not convey any informative content, can create unnecessary clutter for users who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers. By applying aria-hidden="true," you signal to the screen reader that these elements should be overlooked, thereby streamlining the experience and ensuring that users focus on meaningful content rather than being distracted by irrelevant visuals.

Using aria-hidden="true" is crucial for enhancing accessibility because it directly impacts how effectively blind or visually impaired users can navigate and understand the web content. It helps in creating a more organized and efficient browsing experience by omitting non-essential information. This practice aligns with the objective of providing an equitable web experience for all users, ensuring that they can interact with content without confusion or distraction.