The article explores the distinction between therians and furries, two communities that mimic animal behaviors on social media and are often confused with one another.
The rise of viral videos showcasing individuals mimicking animal behaviors has brought to attention two distinct communities: therians and furries. Both groups are often conflated, yet they have unique origins, practices, and motivations. In Argentina, there has been a surge in the use of the term 'therian' on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, fueled by viral content and discussions about identity and spirituality. Those who identify as therians explain that their connection to non-human animals, such as dogs, cats, and wolves, is not a mere performance or game, but a significant aspect of their identity.
Therians describe their experiences as deeply personal, distinguishing their identity from that of furries, who might engage in playful animal costumes for entertainment or social engagement. While both communities share an appreciation for anthropomorphic representations, therians emphasize that their beliefs stem from a profound feeling of being connected to certain animals. Clinical psychology does not categorize this identification as a personality disorder, as the individuals involved maintain their human biological identities while expressing a sincere spiritual or identity connection to their animal counterparts.
The article also highlights the importance of understanding these communities in context, stressing the need for acceptance and recognition of the diverse experiences individuals may have in navigating their identities. As social media continues to amplify their visibility, the discussions surrounding both therians and furries contribute to broader conversations about identity, belonging, and self-expression in contemporary society.
