A rise in teens in Buenos Aires identifying as 'therians' has led to gatherings where they express their identities through animal masks and behaviors, a trend boosting discussions on social media.
In a curious cultural phenomenon, a notable number of teenagers in Buenos Aires are identifying as 'therians,' individuals who believe they have a connection to non-human animals, either mentally or spiritually. These gatherings are taking place in public parks, where participants don animal masks, move on all fours, and create social packs. This movement has gained significant traction on platforms like TikTok, particularly under the hashtag #therian, which has garnered over 2 million posts, making Argentina the leader in Latin America for engagement in this trend.
The rise of the therian trend among young people has sparked a variety of reactions, as some view it as an authentic expression of identity, while others consider it a form of performance or entertainment. As this trend grows, it also raises pertinent questions about the nature of self-identity in a digital age, as well as the boundaries between genuine self-expression and social media-driven trends. As many teenagers engage with this movement, the implications for their self-identity and social interactions are being scrutinized.
Psychologists are also weighing in on the growing therian community, considering the potential social impacts and how such identities might shape the experiences of these young people. The discussions surrounding this trend illustrate the complexity and diversity of teenage self-identification in modern society, highlighting a need for further exploration of how these expressions influence community dynamics and individual wellbeing.
