depends on the content, as well. an article needs a link, but i like it when the important part is quoted, so i don't have to click the link to follow the comments.
memes/images should be postet directly. no one will follow a link to a site with an image even mastodon etc. post the image and add the source. same goes for "social" media posts. post the screenshot and a link to the source, so i don't have to go to some nazi-site to get the information.
don't like them either, but i think people watch it because they get context.
they also get told, how they should feel about it. seems like people stoped making up their own mind. it's easier, i guess.