I think it's because it is difficult to actually add an em dash when writing with a keyboard (except I heard on Macs). So it's either they 1)memorized the em dash alt code, 2)had a keyboard shortcut for the key, or 3)are using the character map to insert it every time, all of which are a stretch for a random online post.
You just type hyphen twice in many programs... Or on mobile you hold hyphen for a moment and choose em dash. I don't use it, but it's very easy to use.