An explanation for the link: A link to a previous discussion on HN about pretty much the same article. The original link is to Quartz and the article is by Tim Fernholz, so I guess it's reprinted by "The Atlantic". In the Atlantic version it's even stated at the top "TIM FERNHOLZ - Tim Fernholz is a reporter at Quartz."

Meta: I don't know why you've been downvoted, I find your complain perfectly valid. Maybe the reason is that the only thing you did is complain and decrease the S/N ratio.

If you feel that it is not enough you could have added 'Dupe/more discussion' as you see fit. As it is your comment doesn't improve on the situation.

Typically a lone link referencing another HN thread is a dupe link or a place where there is more discussion on the same subject. I'll be more careful next time.