<![CDATA[Digital communication has transformed how people construct, convey, and interpret meaning, particularly through irony and sarcasm on social media and messaging applications. The absence of face-to-face cues, such as intonation, facial expressions, and gestures, complicates interpretation, demonstrating that meaning depends on context, intention, and shared knowledge. This study examines how digital communication users understand irony and sarcasm and how context shapes meaning in online interactions. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed to explore participants’ experiences when encountering utterances whose literal meanings differ from the sender’s intentions. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 active social media and messaging application users, complemented by document analysis of relevant digital interactions. The data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed three main themes: dependence on interactional context, digital markers as substitutes for nonverbal cues, and shared knowledge and experience in distinguishing irony, sarcasm, and literal statements. Theoretically, these findings reinforce the pragmatic perspective that meaning emerges through language use within specific contexts. They also demonstrate how digital environments transform the function of contextual cues in interpreting messages. Practically, the findings highlight the importance of reflective digital communication literacy to reduce misunderstandings and improve awareness of intended meanings. This study contributes to understanding contemporary meaning-making practices and provides a basis for further research into how technological features, interpersonal relationships, and cultural backgrounds influence the interpretation of irony and sarcasm in digital communication.]]>
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