e-Journal of Linguistics
Vol. 19 No. 2 (2025): July

Digital Sarcasm as Social Critique: A Pragmatic and Cyberpragmatic Analysis of Social Media Reactions

Agus Darma Yoga Pratama (Unknown)
Putu Vania Maharani Suastha (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the use of sarcasm in social media comments responding to the comparison of corruption punishments in Indonesia and China. Using a qualitative approach with pragmatics and cyberpragmatics frameworks, the research identifies and analyzes the forms, functions, and contexts of sarcasm in digital discourse. Data were collected from high-engagement comments on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, focusing on posts criticizing the disparity in corruption sentences. Linguistic indicators such as hashtags, emojis, capital letters, and exclamation marks were observed, revealing sarcasm's role in conveying dissatisfaction. Pragmatically, comments served as tools for social critique, emphasizing protest against legal injustices and invoking moral values like fairness and transparency. Cyberpragmatically, the digital context amplified the emotional tone and increased the viral potential of the comments, enabling broader public discourse. This study highlights sarcasm's effectiveness as a means of public criticism, demonstrating how digital platforms facilitate creative and collective expressions of social dissatisfaction.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

ejl

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

This e-Journal of Linguistics is published by the Doctoral Studies Program of Linguistics of Udayana University Postgraduate Program and colaboration with APBL (Asosiasi Peneliti Bahasa Bahasa Lokal). The existence of the e-Journal of Linguistics aims to publish the results of linguistic ...