Viral phenomenon in Argentina has young people identifying as animals

Key facts

• Young people in Argentina are participating in a trend called 'therian,' identifying as non-human animals.
• Gatherings occur in Buenos Aires parks where participants dress and act like animals.
• The trend has a significant online presence, particularly on TikTok, with Argentina leading engagement in Latin America.
• Participants describe moments of identifying with animals, while others engage in 'otherpaw' activities for fun.
• Psychologists view the trend as symbolic identification, becoming concerning only if it leads to harmful beliefs or actions.

A growing trend in Argentina sees teenagers gathering in Buenos Aires parks to dress and act like non-human animals, identifying as 'therians.' This phenomenon has gained significant traction online, particularly on TikTok, where the hashtag #therian has surpassed 2 million posts, with Argentina leading engagement across Latin America.

Participants, such as Sofía who wears a beagle mask, and Aguara, who identifies as a Belgian Malinois, describe experiencing moments where they feel a connection to animal behavior. Aguara, who leads a 'pack' and coordinates meetups, states she lives like a normal person but has moments of enjoying being a dog. Another participant, Aru, identifies with the 'otherpaw' branch, which involves wearing masks and tails or moving on all fours for enjoyment rather than a deep identification.

Psychologists are analyzing the trend, with Débora Pedace of the Integral Therapeutic Center in Buenos Aires describing it as a symbolic identification with animals. She noted that it only becomes a concern if it develops into a deeply rooted belief that leads to self-harm or harm to others.