Some Teens Are Embracing Animal Personas and Forming Packs: ‘I Like Being a Dog’

In recent months, parks across Buenos Aires have seen a unique trend emerge, with groups of teenagers donning animal masks, tails, and ears gathering to express themselves in a creative manner. What may seem like playful antics to some represents a deeper connection for these young people, who use animal personas to explore their identities and search for a sense of belonging within a community that understands their experiences.

The gatherings, which have gained popularity through social media, specifically under the hashtag #therian, showcase teenagers engaging in behaviours typically associated with animals. Participants have been observed running on all fours, climbing trees, and playfully interacting with one another as if they were creatures of the wild. This vibrant scene is proving to be more than just imaginative play; rather, it provides a space for these youths to form connections and engage in self-exploration.

One participant, who goes by the name Aguara, identifies with a Belgian Malinois and has made it her mission to organise “meetups” for her group of friends, referring to them affectionately as her “pack.” Describing her experiences, Aguara explains that while she lives a ‘normal’ life most days, there are moments when she feels a strong connection to her animal persona. “I simply have moments when I like being a dog,” she shared, reflecting a blend of whimsy and authenticity in her self-expression.

Others, such as Aru, a 16-year-old who sported a seal mask at one of the gatherings, view this trend through a lighter lens. For Aru, adopting an animal persona is primarily about creative expression and fun, rather than embodying an animal in a literal sense. “It’s not necessarily about identifying as an animal,” she explained, indicating the varied motivations behind this burgeoning subculture among the youth.

The gatherings have elicited mixed responses from onlookers in Argentina, with reactions ranging from curiosity to bewilderment. However, for the teenagers involved, these meetups foster a sense of community where they can feel accepted and understood. In an environment that can often feel isolating, these gatherings provide a platform for young people to engage with their peers in an innovative way, cultivating connections with others who share similar feelings or experiences.

Mental health professionals, including Débora Pedace, a psychologist based in Buenos Aires, have weighed in on the phenomenon. They indicate that the behaviour typically falls within the realm of symbolic identification with animals and is not inherently concerning. “From a psychological standpoint, this is a symbolic identification with an animal,” Pedace explained to reporters, emphasising that it only becomes problematic if it evolves into a deep-seated belief where the individual begins to fully assume the role of an animal.

For the majority of participants, this exploration aligns with broader adolescent trends of identity experimentation and the quest for belonging. Many youths, like Aguara, see these gatherings as a natural extension of their need for self-expression, despite how unconventional it may appear to those outside their circle. In a society where self-discovery can be fraught with challenges, these activities offer a unique and supportive backdrop for navigating the complexities of adolescence.

As this trend continues to gain traction and visibility, it opens up discussions about identity, community, and the ways in which young people seek affirmation in their lives. While not everyone may understand or relate to the practice, those involved feel a genuine sense of kinship in expressing and sharing their identities through the lens of animal personas.

Ultimately, the therians of Buenos Aires serve as a reminder that creativity can flourish in unexpected forms and that communities of acceptance are vital in the oftentimes tumultuous world of youth. Their gatherings represent an important dialogue about self-expression, identity exploration, and the enduring human quest for connection.