Ever scrolled through TikTok or Instagram and stumbled upon videos about “therians”? This term has recently gone viral, especially in Argentina, sparking conversations and a whole lot of curiosity. But what exactly does it mean to be a therian?
In simple terms, people who identify as therians feel a deep, persistent connection to a non-human animal – think wolves, cats, or birds – on an identity, psychological, or spiritual level. They’re quick to clarify: they don’t believe they are biologically animals. Instead, it’s an internal experience, a part of their core self, not a physical transformation or a belief in being an actual animal. The concept itself isn’t new; it’s been around in international online communities for years, but social media has amplified its visibility.
This identity isn’t a monolith. Some therians describe “shifts” where they feel particularly close to their animal self. Others experience it privately. It’s also crucial to distinguish therians from the “furry fandom,” which is often about artistic expression, role-play, or enjoying anthropomorphic characters. For therians, their identity is deeply personal and internal, not a performance or a game.
Naturally, something this unique goes viral and generates debate. Discussions have popped up in various spaces, including LGBTQ+ communities, where people grapple with the idea of self-identification. While many champion personal expression, others worry about potential confusion in broader identity and rights discussions.
From a mental health perspective, identifying as a therian isn’t considered a disorder. Professionals focus on whether this identity causes distress or negatively impacts daily life. If it doesn’t, it’s generally seen as a form of subjective self-construction, particularly in today’s digital world where people freely explore and express their identities.
Ultimately, the therian phenomenon highlights the incredible power of social media to bring niche experiences into the mainstream, turning personal identities into widespread public conversations.
Source: https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/world-news/2026/02/14/6990ee17ca47417e178b45ca.html
