Does a character notice external AR-Objects while his Comlink is in Hidden Mode? So do you get Spam while in Hidden Mode?
Many ARO are generated by simple passive RFID tags. The tag simply holds data that holds the information for, say, a animated gang tag, a advertisement, a building directory or a guide to local businesses.
To view these, you don't need to send out any transmissions and break hidden mode. It just transmits it's simple amount of data all the time. By the same token, spam ARO send out signals to everyone in range trying to say "I'm a legit ARO the user has asked to see/hear/feel" and tries to get past the spam filters on peoples link. Bolth of these are one-way transmissions.
So you can't interact with most AROs when in hidden mode, and won't get offered them. You can view many ARO however, as they are broadcast openly.