In recent months, a youth subculture known as therians has been trending across social media and news outlets. Being a therian refers to young people — mostly adolescents — who say they identify psychologically, spiritually, or emotionally with a specific animal, which they call their “theriotype.”
Although the phenomenon may seem puzzling to outside observers, participants insist it is not a game or a passing fantasy, but a legitimate form of identity exploration.
The term therian comes from the Greek therion, meaning “beast” or “wild animal,” and is used to describe people who feel that an essential part of their identity is not entirely human. While the trend may appear recent, it has deeper roots in late 20th-century digital communities that are now resurging with strength thanks to social media platforms.
The origins of the therian subculture
The therian movement began to take shape in internet forums in the 1990s, especially in spaces where alternative spirituality, connection with nature, and personal identity were discussed. However, its widespread expansion has occurred over the past decade, driven by the visibility provided by platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
These platforms have allowed young people from different parts of the world to share experiences, personal stories, and forms of expression related to their therian identity. Unlike other youth movements linked to fashion or entertainment, therians often present their experience as something intimate and lasting, not a temporary aesthetic trend.
Behaviors and forms of expression
One of the most visible aspects of this subculture is its performative expression. Many therians wear masks, artificial tails, or accessories that represent their theriotype, and they recreate movements associated with the animal they identify with.
Walking on all fours, jumping, making sounds, or adopting animal-like postures are common practices, especially at in-person gatherings or in videos shared on social media.
These behaviors do not mean they believe they are physically animals. Members of the community clarify that their bodies are human, but their inner world — their way of feeling and reacting — is deeply connected to that animal.
Some describe episodes called shifts, moments when they experience sensations or impulses similar to those of their theriotype, while remaining aware of their surroundings.
@confdefracasado atras🤺🤺 #therian ♬ original sound – アジアンマッサージ リラクゼーション ヴィラ 千歳店 – ガラスコーティング 洗車用品 カーフィルム コンパウンド
A global subculture shaped by the internet
Although therians can be found in many countries, the greatest visibility is concentrated in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and France, where access to digital communities and cultures of individual expression are more established.
In Latin America, the phenomenon is also becoming increasingly noticeable, particularly in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, although it remains more dispersed.
Communities are often organized through online groups and informal gatherings known as “packs,” where members share routines, internal guidelines, and personal experiences.
The internet has been essential in connecting young people who otherwise might never have met others with similar experiences.
Differences from other youth movements
The therian trend is often confused with other subcultures, such as furries. However, there are clear differences. While furries mainly focus on art, costumes, and pop culture related to anthropomorphic animals, therians describe their connection to an animal as part of their psychological or spiritual identity, not as a creative hobby.
It should also not be equated with trends such as kawaii or otaku culture, which are more closely tied to content consumption and specific aesthetics. In the case of therians, the dominant narrative centers on personal exploration and a sense of belonging.
Debate and growing visibility
The rising popularity of therians has sparked intense debate. For some, it represents a valid form of self-exploration during a crucial stage of personal development; for others, it reflects the influence of social media in shaping extreme forms of identity.
What is certain is that its growing visibility raises questions about how new generations understand the self, community, and personal expression in the digital age.
Beyond the controversy, the therian phenomenon stands as an example of how the internet can transform marginal subcultures into global trends capable of generating conversation, debate, and reflection on the boundaries of contemporary identity.