On a recent Sunday, a square in Buenos Aires transformed into a temporary wilderness for a group of teenagers in animal costumes. Sofia, wearing a mask resembling a beagle, ran across the grass on all fours. This phenomenon has captured the attention of influencers and media alike, sparking reactions ranging from laughter and bewilderment to intense anger. As this movement gains popularity, psychologists are stepping in to analyze the phenomenon and its place in public discourse. Aguarra identifies as a Belgian Malinois, with her age being equivalent to two years and two months in dog years. While others, dressed as cats and foxes, sat on tree branches, maintaining a distance from curious onlookers. This was the latest gathering of 'therians' — individuals who mentally, spiritually, or psychologically identify as non-human animals. This trend has swept through Argentine social media in recent months, gaining momentum on platforms like TikTok, where posts with the hashtag #therian have surpassed two million, making Argentina the leading country in Latin America for engagement. However, it is not the only place where this phenomenon has spread widely; it has also seen significant popularity in Europe, particularly in Spain. For other Argentine youths, this movement has provided a vibrant community where they feel completely accepted. Psychologist and director of the Integral Therapeutic Center in Buenos Aires, Debora Pidas, acknowledged that this phenomenon elicits a complex mix of bewilderment, laughter, and even anger. Pidas stated: 'From a psychological perspective, this is a symbolic merger with an animal. It becomes concerning only when it turns into a firm conviction where the person fully embodies the animal, potentially leading to self-harm or harm to others.' Nearby, 15-year-old Aguarra leaped through the air, navigating an obstacle course with the precision of a Belgian Malinois. 'It's not necessarily about identifying as an animal,' she said. She believes the phenomenon of animal identity has spread in Argentina due to the country's 'relatively liberal' environment. 'I wake up like any regular person and live my life like any regular person,' she said, according to USA TODAY. 'I just have moments where I feel the urge to be a dog.' As the leader of what she calls her 'group,' Aguarra boasts over 125,000 followers on TikTok and organizes regular meetups across the capital. Aru, a 16-year-old who wore a seal mask at the park gathering, said she considers herself part of the 'tail-haver' community — people who wear masks and tails or move on all fours just for fun.
