Online Spanish Socials

Identity, Instinct & Internet Culture

In recent months, the term “therians” has exploded across TikTok, Instagram, and online forums.

Young people filming themselves running on all fours. Wearing tails. Masked as wolves, foxes, or big cats. Speaking about “past lives,” instincts, or feeling “not fully human.”

For some, it’s role-play.
For others, it’s identity.
For critics, it’s confusion.

But beyond the viral clips and comment-section chaos lies a deeper cultural question.

Instinct Meets Identity

Therian identity — broadly described as individuals who feel a deep spiritual or psychological identification with a non-human animal — has existed online for years.

But social media has transformed it:

Private forums → Public performance
Subculture → Trend
Personal narrative → Algorithmic spectacle

This meetup explores what happens when identity becomes content.

The Central Question – In Spanish

Where does symbolic self-expression end — and literal self-definition begin?

And why is this trend resonating now?

What Is This Event About?

Join us for a thoughtful, open-minded conversation about the therian phenomenon and what it reveals about identity in the digital age.

We’ll explore:

• What does it mean to “identify with” or “as” an animal?
• Is therian identity spiritual, psychological, aesthetic — or something else?
• How does TikTok amplify niche identities into global trends?
• When does performance shape belief?
• Why are younger generations drawn to post-human or hybrid identities?
• Is this rebellion, escapism, creativity — or a new language of selfhood?

Beyond the Headlines

Instead of ridicule or outrage, we’ll approach the topic through:

• Digital anthropology
• Psychology of identity formation
• Online subcultures & belonging
• The role of algorithms in shaping reality
• The blurred line between role-play and lived identity

This is not a space for mockery — nor blind validation.
It’s a space for critical reflection.

Why Join?

🧠 Explore a current, complex topic
🗣 Strengthen your Spanish through real conversation
🔥 Engage with a trend shaping online culture
🤝 Connect with curious, open-minded people

Key Themes We’ll Examine

• Therian vs. “otherkin”: similarities and differences
• Identity as metaphor vs. identity as literal claim
• Online belonging & tribe formation
• Youth culture and post-human imagination
• Performance, embodiment & the body in the age of social media

Format & Flow (Tentative)

Welcome & short intro
Brief contextual overview of the therian subculture
Examples of viral content (analyzed critically)
Small group discussion
Collective reflection: What does this trend reveal about us?
Optional reading/resources list

👥 Group Size Policy

🕗 1 attendee: 07:00 p.m. – 07:45 p.m.
🕗 2 attendees: 07:00 p.m. – 08:00 p.m.
🕗 3+ attendees: 07:00 p.m. – 08:30 p.m.