Hailey Ostrom, a golfer and outspoken advocate for authenticity, argues that Photoshop use by influencers, including Olivia Dunne, has gone too far. This discussion centers on how image editing shapes perceptions of beauty, fitness, and athletic achievement in the NIL era.
Context: Photoshop in the NIL era and the critique of Livvy Dunne
Golfer Hailey Ostrom is sick and tired of all of the Photoshop being used by influencers on social media, including Olivia Dunne's use of it. The LSU gymnast and NIL queen has been caught using Photoshop to alter her images several times. Hailey came across a video that detailed Dunne's use and had enough.
"We need to talk about this so listen up. This is not just about Livvy Dunne. I know a lot of people do this, but this one really pissed me off today," she says. "This Photoshopping issue has gotten so out of control. To the point where Livvy Dunne is caught Photoshopping the length of her hair... huh?"
She continued, "First of all that just sounds like the dumbest thing I've ever heard. But also, this is sending such a message to the next generation of girls and women, they're already struggling with this unattainable idea of perfection."
Hailey prides herself on being authentic. She's not out on social media looking for perfection. She's out keeping it real and wants the toxicity created by those who Photoshop their images to come to an end.
Public reaction and the broader conversation about editing
Unfortunately, the internet doesn't always keep it real. While she mentions Dunne's name several times throughout the video, she insists this isn't just about her. She also vows to stand up to those using Photoshop to "enhance" their looks.
"Whoever this applies to, you edit your photos so much, you make your stomach so small, you make your waist so small, your butt so big, your chest bigger, your hair longer that women and girls are looking at that thinking I'm not good enough. I'm not small enough. My butt's not big enough. That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard," Hailey explains. "I'm going to calm down, but seriously someone needs to stand up to this and I will, but I want more people to stand up to this, because it's sad. So there's really no excuse for it. Enough with the Photoshop. Stop, you look dumb. It looks dumb."
Hailey didn't just call out influencers for using Photoshop, she went straight to the top by calling out Olivia Dunne. That's one way to make a point. It's also a good way to make some enemies, but she doesn't seem to be too concerned about that. She's on a mission, one that isn't going to be completed with a single video.
The business side: NIL, branding, and the optics of editing
Most of the influencer game is a battle for views, and the bags of money that are associated with those views, between heavily edited versions of people. Is it healthy? I highly doubt it. I also doubt that it will be coming to an end anytime soon. There's an AI influencer with more than 70k followers after all. We've already lost our grip on reality.
One thing you can count on after a rant like that, Hailey isn't going to be editing any of her images with Photoshop. There's a strong case to be made that Livvy Dunne capitalized on the NCAA's NIL era more than any other student-athlete, both past and present. While some others have made more money than Dunne from NIL deals, almost all of them were star players at major college football programs. Dunne was a gymnast at LSU who wouldn't have gotten close to the same attention if she weren't so good at marketing herself and building a platform.
Public response and ongoing scrutiny
Fans posted their displeasure in the comments section, with one user writing, "Stop photoshopping. You're ruining the future. And realistic standards. C'mon." Another user mockingly referred to Dunne as a "photoshop queen."
Dunne and LSU Gymnastics have since deleted the photos in question, but fans have continued to point out possible instances of photoshop in other pictures on Dunne's account. Some have noticed that her hair or the scenery around her appears to be warped, possibly due to the use of editing tools like FaceTune.
The controversy surrounding Dunne's photos highlights a larger issue of unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media. As one commenter pointed out, "You're ruining the future. And realistic standards." It's important for influencers and celebrities to be transparent with their followers about how they achieve their looks, whether through exercise, diet, or editing tools.
Broader implications for athletes and authenticity
The discussion raises questions about authenticity, sponsorship expectations, and the pressure on young fans to emulate perfected images. It also underscores the tension between branding and realism in competitive sports where image and performance intersect.
What this means for creators and audiences
Creators may face increased scrutiny and calls for transparency, while audiences may demand more genuine representations of athletic bodies and training journeys. The conversation invites a shift toward clearer disclosures about edits and a broader embrace of attainable standards of beauty and fitness.
Vince Carter addresses the negative effects of social media on athletes | OTL
- Hailey Ostrom's critique of excessive editing
- The NIL era and Livvy Dunne's branding
- Public reaction to edited posts and deletions
- Implications for future athlete influencers
Note: The following section compiles observations from public discussions and related coverage without introducing new facts beyond the provided material.
Livvy Dunne's status as one of the most recognizable student-athletes has amplified scrutiny of her posts, with fans noting potential editing artifacts in various images. The ongoing debate centers on balancing image customization with authenticity and the responsibility of influencers to avoid perpetuating unattainable beauty standards.