Phoebe Burgess has publicly broken her silence over the personal impact of extended online criticism — and is now lending her voice to a new anti-bullying initiative called Shrinking World.

In a recent statement, Burgess admitted that years of negative commentary had seriously affected her mental wellbeing. 

She said that public scrutiny and harsh judgments left her feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and vulnerable. 

According to her, navigating a constant stream of online judgment eventually became too heavy to carry in silence.

But rather than retreat altogether, Burgess is using her experience to raise awareness. 

As per Daily Mail, she has joined Shrinking World, a campaign devoted to exposing the human cost of cyberbullying and promoting compassion and understanding online. 

As part of the campaign, Burgess hopes to help others — especially young people — recognise that online attacks can have real emotional effects, and to encourage more empathy.

Commenting on the initiative, Burgess urged followers and critics alike to remember that behind every social-media account is a real person with feelings.

 “Words can hurt more than people realise,” she said, calling for kindness and respect in online spaces.

As per the outlet, advocates behind Shrinking World welcomed Burgess’s involvement, arguing that her openness helps de-stigmatize mental health struggles linked to social media, and gives visibility to victims of digital harassment — often silenced by shame or fear.

In a broader context, experts note that cyberbullying remains a widespread and growing concern: online harassment, social exclusion, and repeated negative interactions can lead to anxiety, depression, and long-term psychological trauma.