This writing is not a piece of news that tells you something you did not know. Rather it works as a "short novel" whose purpose is to create a story around a modern-day phenomenon. If you look closely you can see the age-old patterns of stories worldwide: the low-key individual that takes the path of the hero, the cause, the ruthless enemy, the obstacles to overcome, the relentless fight.
Overall I found it to be an entertaining read, the key here being the "entertaining" part. I do believe that the target of this piece was never the "enlightment" of the audience but rather the "sentimental engagement" of the audience.
After all, this has been the point of storytellers since the break of mankind, keep us fearing the night and happy to have lived another day.