The article discusses the concept of 'therian,' a subculture where individuals identify as non-human animals, often portraying themselves on social media in playful or serious contexts. It notes that therians have recently gained visibility on platforms, particularly with humorous posts about people thinking they are dogs or cats, alongside actual incidents like an alleged fox biting a child in Argentina. This trend recalls previous waves of interest, such as in 2022, when viral videos claimed children were meowing and behaving like cats in schools, which led many to speculate about the implications and nature of this self-identification.

The piece contrasts therians with furries, another related subculture, and delves into the long history of beliefs surrounding human-animal hybrids. It explains the differences between the two groups, noting that while furries often embrace anthropomorphic animal personas for virtual or cosplay purposes, therians have a more profound personal identification with specific animals. Furthermore, the article seeks to clarify misunderstandings about this phenomenon, using humor and approachable language to engage readers who may be unfamiliar with the complexities of such identities.

In conclusion, the therian subculture is not merely a fleeting trend but a significant aspect of identity for some individuals, prompting a broader discussion about self-expression in contemporary society. As humor and memes continue to circulate, they potentially trivialize these identities but also encourage curiosity and dialogue around the experiences of those who identify as therians, suggesting a larger conversation about acceptance and understanding of diverse identities in modern culture.