Is it possible that "dark matter" is a side effect?

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The discussion centers on the nature of dark matter and whether its effects could be attributed to shortcomings in general relativity rather than actual matter. Participants question if dark matter is a placeholder for an unknown aspect of the universe and seek proof of its existence. The Bullet Cluster is highlighted as evidence supporting dark matter, suggesting it behaves like a particle rather than a modification of gravity. Current theories of modified gravity have been explored but fail to align with observational data as effectively as the dark matter hypothesis. Overall, the consensus leans toward dark matter being a real phenomenon rather than a mere theoretical construct.
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How do we know that the effects of "dark matter" are not merely a failure of some other aspect of general relativity? Could it be that it is not matter at all but instead some placeholder for another aspect of our universe, or is it proven that there must be some form of 'matter', so to speak? If so, what is this proof?

I understand that there is some forms of radiation which we predict results from dark matter interactions, and I admit I don't have full understanding of this topic, but I am curious as to why dark 'matter' is a popular theory, and not some other explanation for the discrepancies we observe.

Thanks.
 
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Google 'Bullet Cluster'.

The implications should convince you that DM is most likely a real phenom of some sort of particle. While not definitive, it all but rules out 'tweaks to gravity' theories.
 
Theories with modified gravity have been considered by the scientific community for quite some time. At the moment, they simply do not fit observations as well as the dark matter hypothesis.
 

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