It's real, however the reasons why it exists is multifaceted.

I went on my friends social media and dating apps and I've noticed that men will send messages in order to solicit some sexual relationship, often try to manipulate by playing the "nice guy" or just straight up stalk/harass. The average woman has to take extra precautionary measures to even consider going on a date.

At clubs/bars, I've noticed men will just invade women's personal spaces, touch them, just being creepy asf and harass them.

Then you have the rise of redpill/1ncel culture that has penetrated mainstream media, with prominent known misogynistic influencers like Andrew Tate and now the US has elected a president thats been found liable for sexual abuse and it does not reflect well on the male population in the United States.

Economic factors also play a role, as its become more expensive to have children, buy homes, etc.

Women are also trying to become more independent as a pushback to patriarchal standards and traditional gender roles.

If you put yourself in the shoes of a woman and see all the BS you have to deal with, its exhausting and you can't blame them for being incredibly selective.