Because the links don't have '' in them. > Was that a design choice? That's the default for links. You have to explicitly add the target attribute to tell the browser to open a new tab or window. Someone decided on this behavior (the default behavior), so I guess you can call it a "design choice." > Why would they choose that? Because browsers let you open links in new tabs/windows if you want (right click, middle click, ctrl-click), but they don't let you prevent the new tab/window if the element has the "target" attribute. In lieu of compelling reasons to the contrary, it's best to let users control their browser. Maybe the HN programmers also wanted to cut down on the "I have too many tabs open, I need some way to manage them" posts by not contributing to that problem.
The alternative (middle click or whatever multiple-finger tap to open in a new tab) is usually available.
From the point of view of HN, it should be better to open in new window. That avoids users going out of your page.
However, as a blogger I have discovered the technical audience annoys enormously when links open in a new window. People get angry because you always have the shortcut to choose the new window if you indeed desire that.
So, to me, HN has decided to please its audience at the cost of loosing pageviews.
Most websites only open external links on a new window/tab because they don‘t want you to leave to monetize you further. Maybe hn does not care as much, which is good IMO.
Better UX IMHO