Ish... I wouldn't necessarily call it manipulation, though - unless that's what you (or they) are doing. More like acting, being selfish, not tolerating BS, and going for what you want. You don't have to deceive, lie to, or trick anyone into doing things they don't want to do. False promises, using people as objects for your own gain, stringing them along, messing with their emotions, using guilt trips, persuasion, etc. But you do have to attract them, which requires some fakery. But most of that is in perception, charm, status, holding back, etc.
As well, you have to defend yourself against tests, bad people, and establish boundaries. You have to be selfish to not get manipulatED yourself (or used, played, walked over). As well as going for what you want, and putting yourself first.
You don't have to "hurt" anyone in order to be successful, but you can't put their needs over yours, feel responsible for their emotions, tolerate BS, etc. And at the end of the day, they WANT to be turned on, presented with a challenge, have someone of sufficient status who stands up for themselves and goes for what they want, etc.
It's all pretty fake, and just a game for the most part. But that's the way it is, and the nature of attraction itself. You don't necessarily have to manipulate or be "bad", but you can't "be yourself" - to the core. Everyone is nice and boring and selfless at heart. Doesn't mean it turns anyone on, or attracts them.
Same with anything else, really. A lot of acting be going on out there.