well there are certainly cosplayers who do believe that they are the character they're portraying, as well as furries who feel the same, and that is where i also draw the line. however we also should take into consideration the large portion of both communities who don't share that sentiment, many people online and that i know personally don't believe or wish to be an animal、however taking into account the ones who do (therians) most of them are children, and as you know children are in that stage where they're still figuring out themselves and experimenting new and different things, no matter how strange they may seem. Most of these children either grow out of it with few who may get consumed by it (the latter making it then, something to worry about)
・(But also i was so worried that you would think i was arguing for a second 😭 but no worries we all have different opinions and perspectives, that's what makes you human lol)