Prominent YouTube prankster and viral street-stunt organizer Anthony Po announced his permanent retirement from his primary public-facing channel in an emotional video update uploaded on his channel.
The creator, known digitally as Anthpo, revealed that more than a decade of maintaining an intense public persona had triggered a severe mental health crisis that culminated in multiple suicide attempts.
Po stated that while he will continue to work on backend internet projects anonymously, this broadcast marks his final official video for his nearly two million subscribers.
The announcement highlights a growing mental health reckoning within the global creator economy, where independent video producers frequently face intense digital burnout.
Po explained that his self-worth became dangerously tethered to the YouTube algorithm. He noted that the constant influx of online feedback and digital outrage created heavy internal psychological distress, eventually turning a creative passion into an overwhelming burden.
In his final address, the creator apologized directly to former college peers and specific internet communities who felt exploited or misrepresented by his hidden-camera content formats.
He expressed regret over secretly recording individuals without consent during past investigative comedy projects, specifically referencing a controversial video involving a reclusive religious organization and an undercover expose tracking the online furry community.
Po noted that such journalistic content formatting is better handled by traditional media professionals rather than lifestyle stunt creators.
The decision marks a dramatic shift for the 23-year-old internet star, who achieved massive mainstream fame through highly coordinated, large-scale public real-world gatherings.
He originally went viral for performance art pieces in New York City, including a popular routine where he wore a mask and ate large quantities of snacks under the moniker Cheeseball Man.
In late 2024, Po masterminded the Timothée Chalamet lookalike competition in Manhattan, an event that drew thousands of fans, attracted a surprise appearance from the real Hollywood actor, and sparked a global wave of copycat celebrity lookalike events.
Moving forward, the digital influencer plans to focus entirely on off-screen corporate operations and collaborative group channels where his personal image is not the central focus.
He concluded his farewell message by urging younger aspiring internet creators to aggressively manage their screen time, set strict social media access boundaries, and prioritize physical wellness to protect their psychological health against the systemic negativity built into modern social media apps.
