I think persuasion pieces have become somewhat synonymous with "advertising" due to the rise in popularity of sponsored content. With everyone trying to sell you something, it's hard not to become jaded.

The article was written by a guy who owns a advertising consulting business, specializing in social media and native advertising. He's trying to sell something, even if it's not strictly a business transaction directly between him and GiveDirectly.

It seem like, these days, anyone talking about how something is suspiciously lacking in transparency is a critic. You're not allowed to question or second guess anything, only mindlessly praise.