In recent years, therianthropy, the belief and practice of identifying with non-human animals on a spiritual or psychological level, has seen a noticeable decline. This trend can be attributed to various factors, including the community’s shift towards a more insular nature and the rise of more visible identity groups such as furries. Therians emphasize that their identity is not about external symbols like animal gear but rather an intrinsic connection with their animal counterparts.
One significant reason for the decline is the changing dynamics within the community itself. Historically, therianthropy had a strong online presence with forums and dedicated websites fostering a sense of belonging. However, with the advent of social media, many of these platforms have either diminished in popularity or disappeared entirely. This shift has fragmented the community, making it harder for new members to find and engage with like-minded individuals.
Another contributing factor is the rise of the furry community, which, while related, is distinct from therianthropy. Furries often embrace the social and artistic aspects of anthropomorphic animal identities, which are more publicly visible and socially accepted. As a result, some individuals who might have identified as therians in the past are now gravitating towards the furry community, where they find a more vibrant and active social scene.
Furthermore, societal attitudes towards unconventional identities have evolved, sometimes creating a more accepting environment but also leading to greater scrutiny and misunderstanding of niche subcultures like therianthropy. This has made some therians more cautious about expressing their identities publicly. Despite these challenges, the core essence of therianthropy remains, with individuals continuing to find personal meaning and connection in their identification with animals.
