What are meta tags used for in HTML?

Meta tags are an essential component of HTML that provide metadata about a web page. This metadata can include information such as the page's description, keywords, author, and settings for how the page should be displayed in search engines and social media platforms. By using meta tags effectively, web developers can optimize their pages for search engines (SEO), making it easier for users to find their content through search results. Additionally, social sharing platforms often read these meta tags to populate previews when a link is shared, enhancing the visibility and presentation of the page. This role of meta tags is crucial because the information they provide can significantly impact how a page is indexed by search engines and how it appears when shared socially, ultimately influencing user engagement and site traffic.