A fringe subculture is being exaggerated into a social threat, weaponized online to target LGBTQ+ communities and amplify far-right narratives about societal decline.
A curious and controversial online trend has exploded into public debate, but its reality appears far less dramatic than its viral portrayal. The so-called “therians” phenomenon has rapidly gained attention in Spain, driven largely by social media, sensationalist coverage, and political narratives rather than actual widespread presence. What began as a niche and largely harmless subculture has now been transformed into a symbol of moral panic, misinformation, and ideological conflict.
Across Spanish cities, media outlets and online platforms have circulated videos and images claiming to show individuals who identify with animals, suggesting the rise of a new cultural movement. Yet when crowds gathered in public spaces such as Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, expecting to witness this phenomenon firsthand, the supposed therians were largely absent. Instead, what emerged was a mix of curiosity, confusion, and visible agitation among onlookers, alongside the presence of far-right activists attempting to shape the narrative.
Scenes repeated themselves in cities like Ávila, Salamanca, and Segovia, where anticipated gatherings of therians failed to materialize. Local reports highlighted the absence of any significant turnout, with only small groups of observers and political agitators appearing. In some cases, slogans and chants unrelated to the phenomenon were introduced, revealing how quickly the situation had been politicized and redirected toward broader ideological battles.
Analysts suggest that the therian trend is less a genuine social movement and more a product of algorithm-driven amplification. Adrián Juste, a researcher at the Al Descubierto think tank, describes it as a cultural bubble created by a combination of online curiosity, political opportunism, and viral dynamics. According to him, the actual therian community is small, mostly composed of young people engaging in playful or expressive behavior rather than any serious identity shift.
Within this context, identifying with animals is often symbolic or recreational, not indicative of psychological distress or a breakdown of identity. However, the unusual nature of the concept has made it an easy target for exaggeration and ridicule. As the content spreads online, it becomes detached from its original meaning and is reframed to support narratives about cultural decline and excessive tolerance.
This distortion has been particularly evident in how the phenomenon is being used to target LGBTQ+ communities. By linking therians to broader discussions about gender identity and diversity, certain groups are attempting to frame the trend as evidence of societal collapse. The narrative often suggests that acceptance of difference has gone too far, using the therian concept as a rhetorical tool rather than addressing its actual context.
Experts like Marcelino Madrigal point out that this strategy is not new. Similar tactics have been used in the past to spread misinformation about subcultures such as furries, including false claims about school policies and exaggerated stories designed to provoke outrage. These narratives are often amplified through online forums and social media, where sensational content gains rapid traction.
The pattern has also been observed in Latin America, where the therian trend gained momentum earlier this year. In Argentina, viral incidents and unverified claims quickly escalated into national conversations, eventually being adopted by far-right commentators as part of a broader critique of progressive policies. Media framing in these cases often portrayed the subculture as a mental disorder or a sign of cultural decay.
Journalists and analysts argue that this process involves the deliberate construction of an enemy figure. By presenting therians as abnormal or threatening, these narratives create a focal point for public frustration and fear. Online discussions frequently include dehumanizing language and calls for punishment, despite the lack of evidence supporting the claims being made.
Prominent far-right figures in Latin America have actively contributed to this discourse, using the therian trend to reinforce existing criticisms of identity politics. Their statements often frame the phenomenon as proof of ideological excess, linking it to broader debates about gender, culture, and societal values. This rhetoric has helped sustain the cycle of outrage and misinformation.
In Spain, the spread of hoaxes has further complicated the situation. False claims about government subsidies for individuals identifying as animals have circulated widely, alongside AI-generated videos depicting exaggerated scenarios. These elements blur the line between reality and fiction, making it difficult for the public to distinguish credible information from fabricated content.
Social media influencers have also played a role in amplifying the narrative, often prioritizing engagement over accuracy. Large gatherings promoted online have attracted crowds not because of genuine participation but due to curiosity and the desire for viral content. In many cases, those who did appear in costume faced ridicule and harassment rather than acceptance or understanding.
Personal accounts from participants highlight the emotional impact of this environment. Young individuals who attended meetups expecting community and connection instead found themselves overwhelmed by hostility and public scrutiny. Their experiences underscore the gap between the online narrative and the lived reality of those involved.
Ultimately, the therian phenomenon illustrates how quickly digital culture can transform a minor subculture into a major social issue. Through a combination of algorithms, political agendas, and public curiosity, a largely insignificant trend has been magnified into a symbol of broader societal debates. The result is a cycle of misinformation, polarization, and misplaced outrage that continues to shape public perception.
At its core, therian identity is a form of personal or symbolic expression, rooted in psychological or cultural experiences rather than physical transformation. The term itself originates from ancient Greek concepts combining human and animal identity, reflecting an internal connection rather than an external change. Understanding this distinction is essential to moving beyond sensationalism and addressing the phenomenon with clarity and context.
