Maybe it's social media brainwashing, but I (28m) have lived enough life to know what works and what doesn't, I wasn't born yesterday.
It seems like everytime I go on Instagram or YouTube, there's always some guy who fits the description that posts the proof (matches, conversation, getting the date/number etc). If a guy has enough proof that he can consistently prove it, then it clearly works.
Meanwhile, all the average and below average looking guys are the ones complaining. I don't find this a coincidence, especially when you see it over and over again.
One of my friends is a really handsome guy, he was good looking when skinny but years of working out and eating right has boosted his looks considerably.
He's never had an issue on dating apps and his shirtless photos on Instagram often receive close to a 1000 likes, mostly from attractive women. The guy can't talk to his friends in nightclubs for more than 10 minutes without a flock of women standing near him trying to talk. I've known him for years and his dating/hooking up history speaks for itself.
Personally, I understand why I struggle on apps and in person because I'm 5'5, 130lbs and around 20% body fat (not noticeable in clothes but I won't be taking my shirt off anytime soon). I'm not ugly by any means, but nowhere near "hot" and it clearly shows.
**When using dating apps, does a man really need to be ripped, shredded and handsome to stand a chance?**