"Therians"/ The phenomenon of young people identifying with animals

2026-02-27 12:11:00, Blog CNA

In recent months, social media has been awash with videos and content of teenagers identifying as “terians” – individuals who feel spiritually or psychologically connected to an animal and experience this identity as an essential part of themselves. This phenomenon is not simply about masks, tails, or TikTok games, but for many participants it is a real experience within their identity.

The Origin and Meaning of Therianism

The term comes from the ancient Greek “therion” (animal) and “anthropos” (human), and originally referred to the ability to transform into mythical creatures such as wolves. In the modern community, therians do not believe that their physical body changes, but that some inner part of them – their spirituality or deep identity – aligns with a particular animal. This animal, called a “theriotype,” can be a wolf, cat, fox, dog, or other species.

The phenomenon has its roots in the 1990s in Usenet forums and groups, where people shared their feelings about non-human identity, and has gradually evolved into online communities like WikiFur and specialized blogs. Today, social networks have turned this movement into a global phenomenon, with public meetings in cities like Barcelona, ??Madrid, Valencia, Girona, where young people "play" their identity by running on all fours, using tails or masks, and simulating the behaviors of their animals.

How the Therian identity is experienced

For members of the community, being a Therian is more than a game or a costume. They report internal changes, which they call “shifts,” where their senses, instincts, or way of thinking adapt to their animal. For some, this is an adolescent phase that fades over time, while for others it becomes a lasting part of their identity.

Many young people also practice quadrupeds – exercises and movements on four legs – and wear handmade clothing to express the characteristics of the animal. However, a part of the community lives this identity privately, without displaying it publicly.

Therianism and mental health

Psychologists and adolescence experts emphasize that the phenomenon is not considered a mental disorder. It does not cause significant suffering and is not associated with psychotic symptoms. According to psychologist Amaya Prado, therianism is seen as a symbolic form of identity construction and social belonging, especially for young people who feel out of place or misfit in their normal environments.

Some studies suggest that this identity may be more common among neurodivergent individuals, such as those within the autism spectrum or with ADHD, where the animal identity may help manage emotions and social situations.

Public debate and the role of online communities

The phenomenon has sparked debate on social media and among parents and educators. Some see it as a creative and engaging form of self-expression, while others worry about the impact on adolescents' social and educational lives. Experts advise open dialogue, non-stigmatizing support, and distinguishing between symbolic experience and real disorders.

In an age of hyper-digitalization and societal pressure, therianism can be seen as a way for young people to create community, explore identity, and feel a sense of belonging. This phenomenon reflects the tensions of our time: the search for identity, the influence of social media, and the importance of alternative spaces to feel accepted.

Rather than being seen as simply a strange experiment for young people, therianism offers insight into the complexity of identity in the digital age. For most teenagers, it is a temporary or enduring form of expression that helps them understand themselves and their place in a changing world./ CNA