The therian phenomenon, which has gained attention in Finland, has now spread to the Canary Islands, where young people identify with animals and express this identity on social media.
The therian phenomenon, which involves individuals identifying with animals and expressing behaviors associated with those animals, has made its way to the Canary Islands, as reported by local media outlet Canarian Weekly. Therians are often children or adolescents who feel a deep connection to specific animal species and seek to embody these identities. This trend has garnered attention on social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where many young people share their experiences and identities related to being therian.
One individual, known as Leaf, has emerged as a leader within the therian community in Tenerife, leading a group of approximately 30 members. Leaf discovered the therian movement four years ago through a friend, which he describes as a transformative moment in his life. This realization helped him understand feelings of being different that he had struggled with for years. He identifies as a polytherian, connecting with multiple animal species, including a cat, seal, owl, and golden retriever, a contrast to many therians who usually associate with a single animal.
Despite his unique identity, Leaf emphasizes that he leads a generally normal life. However, the presence of the therian subculture in the Canary Islands might indicate broader social trends influencing youth identity and community formation, reflecting how online communities can extend beyond national boundaries and impact local cultures.
