In this reflective piece, the author shares memories of their grandmother, Ma' Santo, who had a unique bond with animals in the 1980s. She would engage with her pets, treating them with respect and establishing a strong connection, unlike the contemporary trend of people identifying as 'therians.' The piece illustrates how Ma' Santo's nurturing behavior toward animals contrasted sharply with the modern trend where individuals claim spiritual and psychological identification with non-human animals. The author questions whether the rise of such identities represents a distraction from serious global issues.

The discussion then shifts to the implications of the 'therian' phenomenon, which gained traction in the 1990s as more individuals began to identify with various animal traits. The author poses provocative questions about this trend, suggesting it may serve as a temporary escape for Generation Z from the pressures of political decay and global crises. This raises concerns about the younger generation’s ability to confront real-world issues while engaged in a complex web of digital distraction and misinformation.

Finally, the piece critiques the current landscape of communication and misinformation shaped by the internet. With algorithms creating echo chambers that disconnect individuals from reality, the author draws parallels to Orwell's '1984,' highlighting how the manipulation of truth can lead to widespread acceptance of falsehoods. Through this lens, the author urges a re-examination of how identity, truth, and reality are constructed, especially for the younger generation caught between digital engagement and immediate crises.