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In Buenos Aires, an unassuming plaza recently turned into an extraordinary scene as a group of teenagers embraced their unique identities. On a Sunday afternoon, Sofía, donning a realistic beagle mask, dashed across the lawn on all fours, embodying the spirit of the animal. Nearby, Aguara, a 15-year-old enthusiast, took to the air, skillfully navigating an obstacle course as if he were a Belgian breed dog. Meanwhile, others, dressed as cats and foxes, perched among the tree branches, observing the scene and maintaining a distance from curious passersby.
This gathering was part of a burgeoning movement of “therians,” individuals who claim to share a mental, spiritual, or psychological connection with non-human animals. The phenomenon has taken Argentine social media by storm, particularly on platforms like TikTok. Here, the hashtag #therian has soared past 2 million posts, with Argentina emerging as the leading country in Latin America for this trend’s engagement.
The rise of therians has not gone unnoticed, catching the eye of influencers and media outlets alike. Reactions to this movement have varied widely, ranging from amusement and confusion to outright indignation. As this trend continues to gain momentum, it sparks conversations about identity and expression in today’s digital age.
The trend has taken over Argentine social media over the past few months, gaining traction on platforms like TikTok, where the hashtag #therian has surpassed 2 million posts, with Argentina leading all other Latin American countries in engagement.
The surge has drawn the attention of influencers and media outlets alike, sparking reactions that range from laughter and bewilderment to outright anger.
And as the movement gains traction, psychologists are stepping in to analyze the phenomenon and its place in public discourse.
Aguara, who claims to identify as a Belgian Malinois and counts her age as the equivalent of two years and two months in dog years, says she’s a lot like any other teenager.
“I wake up like a normal person and live my life like a normal person,” she said. “I simply have moments when I like being a dog.”
As the leader of what she calls her “pack,” Aguara — the name she identifies with — boasts more than 125,000 followers on TikTok and coordinates regular meetups around the Argentine capital.
Aru, a 16-year-old who wore a seal mask to the park meetup, said she considers herself part of the “otherpaw” branch of therians: individuals who wear masks and tails or move on all fours just for fun. “It’s not necessarily about identifying as an animal,” she said.
She reckons the therian trend took off in Argentina because of the country’s “fairly free” environment. For other young Argentines, the movement has provided a vital community where they can feel truly accepted.
Should parents be worried?
Débora Pedace, a psychologist and director of the Integral Therapeutic Center in Buenos Aires, acknowledged that the phenomenon generates a complex mix of confusion, laughter, and even anger.
“From a psychological standpoint, this is a symbolic identification with an animal,” Pedace said. “It becomes pathological or alarming only when it turns into a deeply rooted belief and the person fully assumes the role of an animal, potentially leading to self-harm or hurting others.”