I do not believe this to be true, there are plenty of stories that get more traffic, you just do not see them if you are not looking for them. When you can see the stats on the stories in some publications. Personal stories, can far out perform money stories, especially if it creates an emotional reaction for readers.
But the key is when stories are not shared authentically, readers tend to potentially even see it in the headline. If not early in reading the story. But if you can create a why they need to read which will hook them almost any topic can get views and reads here.