The Responsibility of Influencer Management: Lessons from Joshua Block’s Belfast and Dublin Visit

The Responsibility of Influencer Management: Lessons from Joshua Block’s Belfast and Dublin Visit

By Leanne Gouck, Small World PR

The recent visit of U.S. social media influencer Joshua Block to Belfast and Dublin has sparked important conversations about autism awareness, influencer management, and the darker side of social media culture. Block, who is open about being autistic, gained widespread attention when footage surfaced of groups of teenagers following him, cornering him on a bus, throwing verbal abuse, and provoking him to the point of a public meltdown. The video, which showed Block screaming and biting himself while his tormentors laughed, is a chilling reminder of the cruelty some individuals face simply for being different.

While this incident reflects poorly on the teenagers involved, it also raises serious questions about the management and duty of care behind influencers like Joshua Block. It’s clear that more awareness and education, particularly among younger generations, is needed to foster empathy and understanding for autistic individuals.

A Lack of Empathy Among the Younger Generation

One of the most distressing aspects of the incident was the apparent enjoyment some of the teenagers took in watching Block’s distress. In a world where social media has normalised the recording and sharing of private moments, the boundaries of acceptable behaviour have been blurred. For these teenagers, provoking an autistic individual into a meltdown became a form of entertainment—a shocking testament to the lack of empathy that exists in certain pockets of society.

What makes this even more surprising is the generational expectation that younger people, often more vocal about issues like mental health and inclusivity, would be more understanding. This incident suggests a gap in education and awareness about autism. It’s not enough to advocate for inclusivity in theory; it must translate into practice, particularly in how we treat individuals with neurological differences.

The Role of Joshua Block’s Management

Equally troubling is the apparent failure of Block’s management team to ensure his safety and well-being during public appearances. Influencers like Block often rely on management companies to navigate the challenges of their public lives, but in this case, the duty of care seems to have been neglected. Allowing an autistic influencer to interact unsupervised in unpredictable public spaces—without adequate safeguards—is not only irresponsible but also exploitative.

Block’s meltdown was not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of repeated provocations. His management should have been proactive in recognising the risks associated with such public outings. Protective measures, such as limiting his exposure to potentially hostile crowds, ensuring a support team was present, and providing education for those around him, could have mitigated the situation.

Management teams have a moral and professional responsibility to protect their clients, especially when they are vulnerable individuals. By failing to anticipate the challenges Block might face, his management not only jeopardised his well-being but also contributed to the public spectacle that unfolded.

Autism Awareness: Bridging the Gap

The incident highlights the urgent need for greater autism awareness, particularly among younger generations. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it manifests differently in each individual. For some, like Block, it may include heightened sensitivity to external stimuli or difficulty processing social interactions. Without understanding these nuances, it’s easy for uninformed individuals to misinterpret behaviours and respond inappropriately.

Educational initiatives should start in schools, teaching children about autism and encouraging empathy for those who experience the world differently. Social media platforms also have a role to play in fostering this understanding. Influencers with autism, like Block, can be powerful advocates for awareness, but their efforts must be supported by a broader societal shift toward inclusion and respect.

Parents, educators, and community leaders must also step up to challenge behaviours that perpetuate stigma. The teenagers who targeted Block likely lacked an understanding of the harm they were causing, but ignorance is not an excuse. By addressing such incidents head-on and promoting awareness campaigns, we can help ensure that future generations grow up with a deeper respect for neurodiversity.

Lessons for the Future

The fallout from Joshua Block’s visit to Belfast and Dublin should serve as a wake-up call for all involved. For social media users, it’s a reminder of the human cost of online and public harassment. For influencers and their management, it underscores the need for robust safeguards and a clear commitment to the well-being of vulnerable individuals. And for society as a whole, it highlights the importance of fostering empathy and understanding, particularly toward those with autism.

It’s my hope that this incident becomes a turning point, sparking conversations and actions that lead to meaningful change. We must move beyond token gestures of inclusion and work toward a world where autistic individuals are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Education, awareness, and a commitment to doing better are key to ensuring that every individual—regardless of their neurological makeup—has equal opportunities and respect in today’s society.

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