In recent months, Spain has seen a noticeable rise in interest toward an unusual youth subculture that has sparked debate and surprise. The spotlight is now on teenagers who see themselves not just as people, but as beings with an animal essence. This phenomenon is already influencing public opinion and is being discussed among families, schools, and even city authorities.
On social networks such as TikTok and Instagram, there is a growing number of videos where young people speak about their connection to animals. They don’t just mimic cats or dogs—they claim to feel like animals on a psychological level. According to El Pais, such statements are provoking strong reactions: some people treat it with humor, others with concern, and still others with curiosity.
The essence of the phenomenon
The term ‘therian’ refers to people who identify with animals while remaining aware of their human nature. This is not a game or fantasy, but a part of their inner world that teenagers openly display. They wear masks, use leashes, move on all fours in parks, and strive to resemble their chosen animals as closely as possible. For many parents and educators, this behavior has come as an unexpected challenge.
Psychologists note that this is not a mental disorder, but rather a search for self and an attempt to find like-minded individuals. In the 1990s, such ideas were discussed on forums, but it was only with the rise of the internet and social networks that the movement gained widespread popularity. Now, teenagers can easily find one another, share experiences, and stay connected.
Meetups and consequences
The first major therian gathering is planned in Barcelona at Arc del Triomf square. Organizers hope that such events will help reduce misunderstanding and the stigma faced by members of the movement. Similar meetings have already been announced in Girona and Bilbao, signaling the phenomenon’s growing popularity across the country.
Many members of the movement note that they are often misunderstood by both parents and peers. Society remains wary of those who step outside conventional norms. However, the therians themselves emphasize that this is not a form of entertainment for them, but an important part of their identity. They demand respect for who they are and seek open dialogue with those around them.
Public reaction
In Spain, discussions about new youth subcultures always spark significant public response. This time, interest was drawn not only by the unusual form of self-expression, but also by the scale of the phenomenon. According to El Pais, memes and jokes about it have already appeared online, but there are also serious voices calling for respect and understanding.
Educators and youth specialists note the importance of understanding the reasons behind such movements rather than condemning them. For many teenagers, identifying with animals becomes a way to cope with internal conflicts and find support among like-minded peers. In the near future, more such meetings and discussions are expected at the level of schools and youth organizations.
In recent years, Spain has already seen youth movements centered around the search for new identities and self-expression. For example, in 2024, Madrid saw a wave of teenagers choosing unusual styles of behavior and appearance. At that time, public opinion was also divided, but over time, many accepted these new forms of self-expression as part of modern culture. Now, the situation with therians is developing in a similar way, and experts predict that such phenomena will continue to spread among young people.
