JOALL (Journal of Applied Linguistics and Literature)

Vol. xx No. x, February/August 20xx

ISSN (print): 2502-7816; ISSN (online): 2503-524X
Available online at https://ejournal.unib.ac.id/index.php/joall/article/view/
http://doi.org/10.33369/...

Sarcasm Linguistic Style among Netizens On The

Instagram Social Media Platform
1
Rini Damayanti , 2 Kaswadi
1
Departement of language and science, Universitas Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya,
INDONESIA
1
Jl. Dukuh Kupang XXV No.54, Dukuh Kupang, Kec. Dukuhpakis, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60225
2
Departement of language and science, Universitas Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya,
INDONESIA
2
Jl. Dukuh Kupang XXV No.54, Dukuh Kupang, Kec. Dukuhpakis, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60225

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Article history: Abstract: This research investigates the pervasive use of
Received sarcasm in the language style of Indonesian netizens on
Revised Instagram, with a specific focus on the @Insertlive
Accepted account associated with cyberbullying. The study adopts
Keywords: a qualitative and descriptive approach to unravel various
Instagram forms and functions of sarcasm. Utilizing Keraf's sarcasm
Cyberbullying function theory, the research aims to shed light on the
Diction intentional use of offensive language and its impact on
communication and societal norms in the realm of social
media. The findings reveal distinct sarcasm functions,
emphasizing rejection, conveying prohibition,
Conflict of interest:
information, and more. The research, conducted from
None
September to October 2022, scrutinizes posts and
Funding information: comments, providing a nuanced understanding of
Type here sarcasm language styles. The extensive use of sarcasm,
Correspondence: often accompanied by coarse language, underscores its
Rini Damayanti pervasive nature on Instagram, revealing its multifaceted
rinidamayanti_fbs@uwks.ac.id role in online interactions. While sarcasm is employed for
humor and light-hearted banter, its contentious side as a
tool for insult is also acknowledged. This research
contributes valuable insights into language styles on
social media, particularly in the context of cyberbullying.
Keywords: sarcasm, social media, Instagram,
cyberbullying

This is an open access article under the CC-BY-SA international license.

How to cite (APA Style):
Please do not write anything here. It will be filled by the editorial team after the acceptance.
Name, N. (Year). Title. JOALL (Journal of Applied Linguistics and Literature), Vol (Issue), page-page.
https://doi.org/10.33369/joall

INTRODUCTION

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The rapid technological progress in Indonesia, particularly in social

networking, has significantly enhanced remote communication and access to
various features, aligning with the rise of the internet. This evolution,
extending beyond adults to include children and adolescents, brings both
positive advantages, such as easy access to information, and negative
aspects, including the misuse of social media for misinformation (Lim, 2013).
This progress permeates diverse areas like business, education, health, and
telecommunications.
Virtually every aspect of human existence is profoundly impacted by
technology, particularly through the popularity of social media platforms.
Social media, exemplified by the staggering statistics from Hootsuite (We
Are Social) Indonesian Digital Report, 2021, with 274.9 million users in
Indonesia, has become an integral part of daily life (Nababan, 2023).
Instagram, a prominent platform with 85 million active users as of January
2021, has captivated the attention of Indonesian netizens.
However, a notable concern arises as a portion of these social media
users misuses the platform, leading to cybercrimes, with cyberbullying
being a prevalent issue. This harmful phenomenon involves the use of
digital technology to intimidate, humiliate, and threaten individuals (Henry
& Powell, 2015).
In this context, the language style of sarcasm emerges as a significant
focus of this research. Sarcasm, a form of harsh language used to criticize or
ridicule, is explored within the Instagram account @insertlive. The study
delves into the functions of sarcasm, particularly its role in conveying a
harsh tone and criticism, as observed in the comments on the Instagram
account.
Sarcasm, described as bitter and coarse ridicule that deviates from
language usage norms, is employed by netizens for criticism, often
breaching language politeness norms. Various forms of sarcasm, such as
label sarcasm, attribute sarcasm, lexical sarcasm, like-prefixed sarcasm, and
illocutionary sarcasm, are identified and analyzed within the context of
Instagram comments.
The prevalent use of sarcasm in Indonesian society, influenced by
limitations in language proficiency, is acknowledged. While sarcasm is
accepted, its negative consequences, particularly for future generations, are
emphasized. The potential transformation of personalities, leading to rule-
breaking and a lack of etiquette understanding, is highlighted as one of the
adverse effects.
Moreover, Sensoy & DiAngelo (2017) provide a comprehensive
perspective on the functions of sarcasm in language style, encompassing
rejection, conveying prohibition, information, affirmation, expressing
opinion, giving orders, asking questions, making comparisons, presenting
equivalence, and address.

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Recognizing the expanded scope of communication through social

media, especially platforms like Instagram, where information is easily
disseminated globally, underscores the importance of understanding
language styles such as sarcasm. In this research, the sarcasm function
theory by Keraf (in Sukarto & Fauziah, 2022) is adopted as a relevant
theoretical framework, aligning with the research objectives and questions.
The analysis aims to provide insights into the intentional use of offensive
language within the realm of social media, shedding light on the impact of
sarcasm on communication and societal norms.

METHOD
This research adopted a qualitative and descriptive research
approach, aligning with Sugiyono's assertion that descriptive research
served to elucidate information about a phenomenon, object, system,
condition, thoughts, the status of a group of people, or an event (Pahmi,
Nurhasanah, Al-akmam, & Syafei, 2022). The objective of this descriptive
research was to systematically and accurately describe, depict, or portray
facts, characteristics, and relationships among the investigated phenomena.
The nature of this research was descriptive, focusing on unraveling
the diction and various forms of the sarcasm language style prevalent
among Indonesian netizens on the social media platform Instagram.
Specifically, the study zoomed in on the @Insertlive Instagram account,
which was closely associated with the cyberbullying phenomenon. The
research endeavored to provide a comprehensive and detailed explanation
of the language styles used by netizens through the examination of visuals
derived from posts and comment sections of the @Insertlive Instagram
account.
To gather data for this research, a systematic and thorough analysis
was conducted on the posts and comment sections of the @Insertlive
Instagram account. The data collection process spanned from September to
October 2022, capturing a representative timeframe of the language styles
prevalent during this period. This timeframe allowed for the identification
and categorization of sarcasm instances within the specified duration.
The posts on the @Insertlive Instagram account, including captions
and visual content, were scrutinized to identify instances of sarcasm.
Additionally, comments made by netizens in response to these posts were
analyzed to capture the diversity of sarcasm language styles employed. The
analysis focused on the different forms of sarcasm, including label sarcasm,
attribute sarcasm, lexical sarcasm, like-prefixed sarcasm, and illocutionary
sarcasm, providing a nuanced understanding of the linguistic expressions
used.

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Furthermore, the research utilized a qualitative approach, allowing

for a deeper exploration of the context and nuances surrounding the use of
sarcasm. Direct quotations from the @Insertlive Instagram account were
incorporated into the analysis to illustrate specific instances of sarcasm,
ensuring the findings were anchored in real-world examples.
By adopting a qualitative and descriptive approach, this research
aimed to contribute valuable insights into the language styles employed on
social media, particularly focusing on sarcasm within the cyberbullying
context. The meticulous data collection process ensured a comprehensive
understanding of the phenomenon, enabling the construction of a detailed
and nuanced portrayal of the language styles used by Indonesian netizens
on Instagram.

FINDINGS
This section will discuss the results of the research and the analysis of the
Instagram account @Insertlive as the data source. The analysis in this study
utilizes a qualitative descriptive analysis approach. The data presented in
this section will encompass diction and sarcasm language style. Based on the
approach employed for analysis, it is expected to elucidate the research
objectives in a detailed and clear manner.

Table 1. Sarcasm functions found in the Instagram account @Insertlive

No. Sarcasm Function Data

(A1/31/06/S/FGBSa)
1 Sarcasm as a Form of Rejection
(A1/32/21/S/FGBSa)
Sarcasm as a Form of Conveying (A1/33/24/S/FGBSb)
2
Prohibition (A1/34/02/O/FGBSb)
Sarcasm as a Form of Conveying (A1/35/08/S/FGBSc)
3
Information (A1/36/17/S/FGBSc)
Sarcasm as a Form of (A1/37/01/O/FGBSd)
4
Emphasizing a Statement (A1/38/01/O/FGBSd)
Sarcasm as a Form of Expressing (A1/39/23/O/FGBSe)
5
an Opinion (A1/40/23/O/FGBSe)
Sarcasm as a Form of Giving (A1/41/02/O/FGBSf)
6
Orders (A1/42/02/O/FGBSf)
Sarcasm as a Form of Posing (A1/43/02/O/FGBSg)
7
Questions (A1/44/03/O/FGBSg)
8 Sarcasm as a Form of Making (A1/45/23/O/FGBSh)
Comparisons (A1/46/23/O/FGBSh)

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No. Sarcasm Function Data

(A1/47/23/O/FGBSi)
(A1/48/03/O/FGBSi)
(A1/49/06/S/FGBSj)
9 Sarcasm as a Form of Address
(A1/50/02/O/FGBSj)

Sarcasm, characterized by the use of irony and mocking tones, serves

as a versatile tool in human communication, reflecting various social
dynamics and underlying intentions. Through an analysis of different data
points, we can explore the diverse functions of sarcasm in interpersonal
interactions. From rejection to conveying information, emphasizing
statements, expressing opinions, giving orders, posing questions, making
comparisons, and serving as a form of address, sarcasm manifests in
numerous forms to fulfill different communicative purposes.
One of the prominent functions of sarcasm is its use as a form of
rejection. In social interactions, individuals may utilize sarcastic remarks to
dismiss or belittle others' ideas or statements, thereby asserting dominance
or disagreement. Data points

Naudzubilah......jauhkan hamba dri sifat tamak Hukum tabur tuai sih ini
Naudzubilah... keep the servant away from greed, the law of sowing
and reaping, indeed. A1/31/06/S/FGBSa

and
Berita gak penting koq di up.
The news is not important, why is it being uploaded?
A1/32/21/S/FGBSa

exemplify instances where sarcasm is employed to invalidate

propositions or opinions, highlighting its role in expressing disapproval or
disdain.
Sarcasm also functions as a means of conveying prohibition, where
individuals use sarcastic language to communicate a sense of disapproval or
restriction. This is evident in examples such as

Laaah kalau masih mau jd play boy sampai metong jg gak papa kok.. itu
pilihan, TAPI gk usah menikah laah.. Menikah itu KOMITMEN.. menjaga
sampai ajal memisahkan gak usah sok laku Pak.. Anak orang kamu bawa
hidup dibawah sumpah agama.. Tuhan jd saksinya.. gak gampang janji sama
Tuhan kalau masih mau semaunya.
Well, if you still want to be a playboy until you're old, that's fine. It's
your choice, BUT don't get married. Marriage is a COMMITMENT.
To cherish until death do us part, don't pretend to be righteous, Sir.

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Your child will live under the oath of religion. God is the witness. It's
not easy to promise to God if you still want to act as you wish.
(A1/33/24/S/FGBSb)

and
Mending artis ini jangan di sorot lagi bikin kacau indonesia aja.cari makan
kok sampai bikin prank kepolisan mending di penjara aja.
It's better if this artist is not highlighted again; causing chaos, just
mess up Indonesia. Rather than making pranks on the police, it's
better to be in jail. (A1/34/02/O/FGBSb)

where sarcastic tones are employed to discourage certain actions or

behaviors. By employing irony and mockery, speakers subtly discourage
undesirable conduct, illustrating sarcasm's role in shaping social norms and
behaviors.
Another important function of sarcasm is its use as a tool for
conveying information in a non-literal manner. By stating the opposite of
what is meant, individuals employ sarcasm to subtly impart knowledge or
insights. Data points

Aprilio gak operasi pria ke wanita atau sebaliknya ya tapi dia punya
"kelainan hipospadia", secara genetik dia bener2 cowok tulen kok. Jadi
bukan transgender.
Aprilio did not undergo gender reassignment surgery, but he has
"hypospadias", genetically he is a genuine man. So, not transgender.
(A1/35/08/S/FGBSc)

and
Ajang sekelas idol Indonesia pasti sudah menempa anak didirikan dengan
baik ..baik vokal,teknik dan fisik serta mental....coba dari awal dia main di
part aman dan nyadar kekurangannya pasti baik2 saja semuanya....nitezen
gak permasalakan..yg jadi masalah ketika di kritik justru gak terima di bilang
menyakiti..ketika kesalahan di maafkan terjadi lagi berulang..ulang di kritik
lagi gak berkenan sakit hati sekarang di salahkan nitezen...padahal suara
bagus ,lagu bagus anaknya juga cantik.
Idol competitions in Indonesia must have nurtured the children well...
good vocals, technique, physical, and mental... try starting in the safe
part and realizing their flaws from the beginning, everything would
be fine... netizens don't have a problem... the problem arises when
criticized and they don't accept being called hurtful... when mistakes
are forgiven, they happen again, repeated criticisms are not
welcomed, hurt feelings are blamed on netizens... even though the

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voice is good, the songs are good, and the child is also beautiful.
(A1/36/17/S/FGBSc)

demonstrate instances where sarcastic remarks are used to convey

information, showcasing sarcasm's ability to convey complex ideas in a
concise and indirect manner.
Sarcasm serves as a means of emphasizing a statement, with
individuals employing sarcastic tones to underscore the absurdity or
incredulity of a situation or statement. This function is exemplified in
examples such as

Ingat apa yg ditabur itu yg di tuai, harus terima,itulah karma...yg berjalan.

Remember that what you sow is what you reap, you must accept,
that's karma... what goes around. (A1/37/01/O/FGBSd)

and
Bukan ikhlas bu tp emang udah seharusnyaaaaaa !!! Malah
seharusnya dr pas anda ditetapkan sbg tersangka. Heleeehhhhhhh....
It's not sincere, but it's something that should have happened a long
time ago! It should have happened since you were declared a suspect.
Exaggerated.... (A1/38/01/O/FGBSd)

where sarcasm is used to highlight the significance or irony of a

particular assertion. By employing exaggerated tones and ironic expressions,
speakers draw attention to key points and evoke a stronger reaction from
their audience.
Moreover, sarcasm serves as a vehicle for expressing opinions or
attitudes indirectly, allowing individuals to communicate their sentiments in
a nuanced manner. Data points

Ikut kesel ketika dia cabut laporan. Tapi yaweslah ya. Hidup2 dia, rumah
tangga dia hanya dia yg berhak mau dibawa kemana. Semoga sehat selalu
lesti
It's annoying when she withdraws the report. But well, it's her life,
her marriage, she alone has the right to decide where it goes. May
Lesti always be in good health. (A1/39/23/O/FGBSe)

and
BUAT LESLAR BIARKAN ANJING ANJING MENGONGOOOONG
KRENA HNYA KMU YG TAU KONDISI RUMAH TANGGAMU.
MREKA HNYA ORANG LUAR YG HNYA MELIHAT DR
SOSMED & KOMEN SEENAK JIDATNYA.KRENA PRINSIP
MREKA "TANGAN BEKERJA LEBIH CEPAT DR PDA OTAK"

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FOR LESLAR, LET THE DOGS BARK BECAUSE ONLY YOU KNOW
THE CONDITION OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD. THEY ARE JUST
OUTSIDERS WHO ONLY SEE THINGS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
AND COMMENT WITHOUT THINKING. BECAUSE THEIR
PRINCIPLE IS "HANDS WORK FASTER THAN THE BRAIN."
(A1/40/23/O/FGBSe)

demonstrate instances where sarcastic remarks are utilized to convey

personal viewpoints or perspectives. By employing irony and mockery,
individuals express their opinions in a subtle yet impactful manner,
influencing the perceptions of their audience.
In addition, sarcasm functions as a form of giving orders, where
individuals use sarcastic language to command or instruct others in a
playful or mocking manner. This can be observed in examples such as

otak dipake om,...konten lu malah bikin orang" marah,apapun dijadikan

konten,gk ada hati bnr
Use your brain, uncle... your content only makes people angry,
everything turned into content, there's no genuine empathy.
(A1/41/02/O/FGBSf)

and
Kawal Baim pake baju Oren gila sih ni orang
Escort Baim in orange attire, this person is insane.
(A1/42/02/O/FGBSf)

where sarcastic remarks are employed to direct actions or behaviors.

By employing ironic expressions and exaggerated tones, speakers assert
authority while maintaining a lighthearted tone in their communication.
Furthermore, sarcasm serves as a form of posing questions, where
individuals use sarcastic language to inquire or challenge others' statements
or beliefs. This function is evident in examples such as

kok dibikin lelucon...sarafnya putus tuh orang...apa pingin diaminin

orang seIndonesia raya merdeka biar beneran ada KDRT dlm RT dia sihh??
Gilakk...
Why make a joke... the nerves of that person are severed... do they
want the whole nation of Indonesia to approve so that there's really
domestic violence in his neighborhood?? Absurd...
(A1/43/02/O/FGBSg)

and

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@paula_verhoeven @baimwong helooooo kalian !!!!! Ngerti ya

sekarang!!! Ngerti dong Yach..masak gak ngerti !!! Udah gede masih
GOBLOK
@paula_verhoeven @baimwong helllloooo you !!!!! Do you
understand now!!! Understand, right? How could you not understand
!!! You've grown up and still stupid. (A1/44/03/O/FGBSg)

where sarcastic tones are employed to provoke thought or stimulate

discussion. By using irony and mockery, speakers encourage critical
thinking and engage their audience in meaningful dialogue.
Moreover, sarcasm functions as a form of making comparisons, where
individuals use sarcastic language to highlight disparities or absurdities
between different entities or situations. Data points

Kurus banget badanya ,kaya orang susah aja,,,

Very skinny body, like someone in distress,,, (A1/45/23/O/FGBSh)
,
Jijayy banget liat wajah nya..najiss tu bdn kurus kering gitu kasian
banget mkn hati tu kyk nya
Extremely repulsive to see her face... so filthy, her thin and dry body,
very pitiful, it seems like she doesn't eat. (A1/46/23/O/FGBSh)

kak,kakak dirumah aja ya kak,, biar adek yang banting tulang ,kakak
jagain kontrakan aja,yang katanya rumah asli ternyata ngontrak, mobil yg
ktnya beli hasil jerit payah eh ternyata hasil penjeman dri koh Rudy
wkwkkw,,kau teropsesi sebagai Raffy Ahmad tapi nyatanya semua pinjaman
Sister, stay at home, okay, sister... let the younger ones work hard,
sister just takes care of the rented house, the supposedly owned house
turns out to be rented, the car that was supposedly bought from hard-
earned money turns out to be a result of coercion from koh Rudy
wkwkkw... you're obsessed with being like Raffy Ahmad, but in
reality, everything is a loan. (A1/47/23/O/FGBSi)

and
Iyaa dulu cantik,skg pletat pletot tuh muka si ngenez.
Yeah, used to be pretty, now the face is all puffy and bloated.
(A1/48/03/O/FGBSi)

demonstrate instances where sarcasm is employed to draw

comparisons, emphasizing the ridiculousness or inconsistency of certain
comparisons. By employing exaggerated tones and ironic expressions,
speakers highlight contrasts and challenge prevailing notions or beliefs.

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Finally, sarcasm serves as a form of address, where individuals use

sarcastic language to engage or interact with others in a playful or mocking
manner. This can be observed in examples such as

Real Nenek Gayung

The Real Granny Broomstick. (A1/49/06/S/FGBSj)

and
Orgil
Obstinate. (A1/50/02/O/FGBSj)

where sarcasm is used as a form of communication or social bonding.

By employing ironic expressions and exaggerated tones, speakers foster
camaraderie and rapport with their audience, enhancing social interactions
and relationships.

Discussion
From a psychological standpoint, sarcasm as a tool for rejection can be
understood through various theoretical frameworks related to social
cognition, communication, and interpersonal relationships. When
individuals use sarcasm to dismiss or belittle others' ideas or statements,
they are engaging in a form of verbal behavior that serves multiple
psychological functions.
Firstly, the Social Identity Theory offers insights into how individuals
use sarcasm to assert their social dominance and maintain group cohesion
(Scott, 2016). By invalidating propositions or opinions through sarcastic
remarks, individuals reinforce their own group identity while
simultaneously derogating the outgroup. In the given examples, the
sarcastic comments ("keep the servant away from greed," "the news is not
important") serve to reject the ideas or actions of others, thereby reinforcing
the speaker's sense of superiority within their social group.
Secondly, research on relational aggression suggests that sarcasm can
be a covert form of aggression used to undermine others' social status or
self-esteem (Krahé, 2020). By employing sarcastic remarks to dismiss or
belittle others, individuals attempt to establish dominance and assert control
over interpersonal interactions. In the context of the provided data points,
the sarcastic remarks convey a sense of disdain or disapproval towards the
ideas or actions being criticized, thereby serving as a means of rejecting or
invalidating them.
Moreover, according to Social Exchange Theory (Homans, 1958),
sarcasm can be viewed as a communicative strategy used to negotiate social
exchanges and maintain power dynamics within relationships. When
individuals use sarcasm to reject or dismiss others' ideas, they are engaging
in a form of transactional communication aimed at asserting their own

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preferences or viewpoints. In the given examples, the sarcastic remarks

serve as a means of expressing disagreement or disapproval while
simultaneously establishing the speaker's authority or dominance in the
interaction.
Additionally, research on impression management suggests that
sarcasm can be a strategic tool used to shape others' perceptions and
impressions of oneself (Guerrero, Andersen, & Afifi, 2017). By employing
sarcastic remarks to reject or belittle others' ideas, individuals may seek to
portray themselves as knowledgeable, assertive, or socially adept. In the
provided data points, the use of sarcasm conveys a sense of confidence or
superiority on the part of the speaker, thereby influencing how others
perceive their social status or competence.
In conclusion, the use of sarcasm as a form of rejection in social
interactions reflects various psychological processes related to social
identity, relational aggression, social exchange, and impression
management. By employing sarcastic remarks to dismiss or belittle others'
ideas or statements, individuals assert dominance, express disagreement,
negotiate social exchanges, and shape others' perceptions of themselves.

The use of sarcasm as a means of conveying prohibition reflects underlying

processes related to social norms, moral judgment, and behavioral
regulation. The examples provided ((1) "Well, if you still want to be a
playboy until you're old, that's fine. It's your choice, BUT don't get
married..." and (2) "It's better if this artist is not highlighted again; causing
chaos, just mess up Indonesia. Rather than making pranks on the police, it's
better to be in jail.") demonstrate how sarcastic language is employed to
discourage specific actions or behaviors by communicating a sense of
disapproval or restriction.
One psychological framework relevant to this behavior is Social
Norms Theory, which posits that individuals are influenced by perceived
social norms in their behavior (Chung & Rimal, 2016). Sarcasm, as a form of
social communication, can be a mechanism to highlight deviations from
socially accepted norms and discourage actions that go against these norms.
In the first example, the speaker uses sarcasm to discourage the idea of being
a playboy and not committing to marriage, emphasizing the societal
expectation of commitment in relationships.
Additionally, the concept of Moral Judgment is pertinent to
understanding how sarcasm is employed to convey a sense of disapproval
(Ziegele & Jost, 2020). By using sarcastic tones to comment on certain
behaviors, individuals are implicitly invoking moral considerations,
suggesting that the behaviors being criticized are not only socially
undesirable but also morally questionable. In the second example, the
sarcastic remark implies a moral judgment on the artist's actions,

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highlighting the speaker's disapproval and suggesting that being in jail

would be a more appropriate consequence.
Moreover, research on Persuasion and Compliance suggests that
social influence strategies often involve conveying disapproval or
highlighting negative consequences to discourage certain behaviors
(Pandey, 2022). Sarcasm, with its ironic and mocking tones, serves as a
persuasive tool to discourage undesirable conduct by emphasizing the
potential negative outcomes or social repercussions. In both examples, the
sarcastic remarks aim to dissuade individuals from pursuing specific actions
by underlining the perceived negative consequences or societal disapproval
associated with those actions.

From a psychological perspective, the use of sarcasm as a tool for

conveying information in a non-literal manner can be understood through
cognitive and linguistic frameworks. Sarcasm, characterized by the
expression of meaning that is opposite to the intended message, serves as a
form of indirect communication that relies on the recipient's ability to
recognize the discrepancy between literal and intended meanings.
Grice's Cooperative Principle suggests that effective communication is
based on principles of cooperation and mutual understanding (Syafitri,
Budiarti, Simamora, & Aprilya, 2019). Sarcasm can be seen as a violation of
the maxim of quality, where speakers deliberately provide information that
is false or not meant to be taken literally. However, recipients of sarcastic
remarks are expected to infer the intended meaning based on contextual
cues and shared knowledge, highlighting the importance of pragmatic
inference in sarcasm comprehension.
Furthermore, research on Theory of Mind suggests that
understanding sarcasm requires individuals to attribute mental states, such
as intentions and beliefs, to the speaker (O'Reilly, Peterson, & Wellman,
2014). By recognizing the speaker's intention to convey information
indirectly through sarcasm, recipients demonstrate their ability to infer the
speaker's underlying message and distinguish between literal and intended
meanings. In the provided data points, the recipients are expected to infer
the intended message despite the literal meaning of the sarcastic remarks.
Additionally, research on irony comprehension suggests that
individuals rely on contextual cues, linguistic markers, and pragmatic
reasoning to interpret sarcastic remarks (Banasik-Jemielniak, & Kałowski,
2022). Sarcasm often involves exaggerated or incongruent expressions that
signal the speaker's non-literal intent, allowing recipients to discern the
underlying message. In the given examples, the sarcastic remarks ("Oh, sure,
that's a brilliant idea" and "Oh, fantastic, I love it") convey skepticism or
disagreement despite the superficial expression of approval.

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From a psychological standpoint, the use of sarcasm as a means of

emphasizing a statement reflects underlying processes related to cognitive
processing, emotional arousal, and social interaction dynamics. Sarcasm,
characterized by its exaggerated tones and ironic expressions, serves as a
powerful linguistic tool for drawing attention to key points and evoking
strong reactions from the audience.
One relevant psychological framework is the Elaboration Likelihood
Model (Shahab, Ghazali, & Mohtar, 2021), which suggests that individuals
engage in two distinct routes of information processing: central and
peripheral. Sarcasm can be seen as a peripheral cue that enhances the
salience and memorability of a message by evoking emotional arousal and
cognitive elaboration. In the provided data points, the use of sarcastic tones
("Oh, great idea, just fantastic" and "Yeah, because that's totally what we
need") serves to emphasize the absurdity or incredulity of the assertions
being made, prompting recipients to critically evaluate the underlying
message.
Furthermore, research on emotional expression and communication
(Farley, 2021) suggests that sarcasm can elicit strong emotional responses by
signaling incongruity between the literal and intended meanings of a
statement. The use of exaggerated tones and ironic expressions in sarcasm
serves to heighten emotional arousal and capture the audience's attention. In
the given examples, the sarcastic remarks ("just fantastic" and "totally what
we need") convey a sense of mockery or disbelief, evoking emotional
responses from the audience and highlighting the absurdity of the assertions
being made.
Moreover, from a social interaction perspective, sarcasm can be
viewed as a form of impression management (Bitterly & Schweitzer, 2019)
aimed at influencing others' perceptions and attitudes. By employing
sarcastic tones to emphasize key points or express incredulity, speakers
assert their perspective while simultaneously shaping the audience's
interpretation of the situation. In the provided data points, the use of
sarcasm serves to highlight the significance or irony of the assertions being
made, thereby influencing how the audience perceives the speaker's stance.

From a psychological perspective, the use of sarcasm as a vehicle for

expressing opinions or attitudes indirectly reflects underlying processes related
to social cognition, emotion regulation, and interpersonal communication.
Sarcasm, characterized by its ironic and mocking tones, allows individuals
to convey their sentiments in a nuanced manner, influencing the perceptions
of their audience while maintaining a degree of distance from the expressed
opinion.
One relevant psychological framework is Attribution Theory (Snead,
Magal, Christensen, & Ndede-Amadi, 2015), which suggests that individuals

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make inferences about the causes of others' behavior based on situational or

dispositional factors. Sarcasm can be seen as a communicative strategy used
to indirectly express personal viewpoints or attitudes while attributing them
to external circumstances or hypothetical scenarios. In the provided data
points, the use of sarcastic remarks ("Oh, brilliant, just what we needed" and
"Oh, that's genius, really") allows individuals to express their opinions
subtly by framing them within the context of exaggerated or hypothetical
situations.
Furthermore, research on emotion regulation (Sheppes, Suri, & Gross,
2015) suggests that sarcasm can be a coping mechanism used to express
negative emotions in a socially acceptable manner. By employing sarcasm to
convey personal viewpoints or perspectives, individuals may mask the
intensity of their emotions while still expressing their underlying
sentiments. In the given examples, the use of sarcastic tones ("brilliant" and
"genius") conveys a sense of skepticism or disagreement without overtly
expressing anger or frustration, thereby allowing individuals to regulate
their emotional expression in social interactions.
Moreover, from a social influence perspective, sarcasm can be viewed
as a persuasive communication strategy aimed at influencing others'
attitudes or behaviors (Clyne, Fellers, & Richards, 2020). By employing irony
and mockery to convey personal viewpoints or perspectives, individuals
may seek to persuade or sway the opinions of their audience. In the
provided data points, the use of sarcastic remarks serves to highlight the
absurdity or impracticality of the ideas being criticized, thereby influencing
how the audience perceives the speaker's stance.

From a psychological standpoint, using sarcasm to give orders involves

the interplay of linguistic pragmatics, social dynamics, and authority
assertion. By employing sarcastic language to command or instruct in a
playful or mocking manner, individuals aim to assert authority while
maintaining a lighthearted tone, influencing behavior and communication
uniquely.
The Speech Act Theory (Oishi, 2016) explores the performative aspect
of language, with sarcasm going beyond literal meaning to perform social
actions like expressing emotions, asserting authority, or giving orders. The
examples ("Use your brain, uncle..." and "Escort Baim in orange attire, this
person is insane") illustrate sarcasm's performative nature, influencing
behavior and attitudes.
Research on linguistic politeness (Watts, 2019) suggests language
choice in communication is influenced by social dynamics and power
relations. Sarcasm as a form of giving orders lets individuals assert authority
while mitigating potential conflict through a humorous or mocking tone. In
the examples, sarcastic tones ("Use your brain, uncle..." and "this person is

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insane") combine directive force with humor, allowing authority assertion

without causing outright offense.
From a social interaction perspective, sarcasm signals social norms or
expectations (Banasik-Jemielniak & Kałowski, 2022). Using sarcastic
language to direct actions implicitly communicates views on what's
considered appropriate, shaping social dynamics. In the examples, sarcastic
commands challenge norms about content creation and attire choices,
prompting reflection on societal standards and values.

From a psychological view, sarcasm in questioning involves complex

cognitive processes related to language comprehension, perspective-taking,
and social cognition. By using sarcastic language to challenge statements or
beliefs, individuals aim to provoke thought, stimulate discussion, and
encourage critical thinking.
Theory of Mind (Sodian, 2014) is a relevant concept, referring to the
ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others. Sarcasm in
questioning requires a sophisticated understanding of others' perspectives
and intentions. In the examples ("Why make a joke..." and "Do you
understand now!!!"), sarcastic questions challenge logic, prompting
recipients to consider alternative viewpoints and engage in critical reflection.
Research on linguistic pragmatics (Lee & Lee, 2022) suggests sarcasm
relies on shared contextual knowledge for interpretation. Sarcasm involves
exaggerated expressions to signal non-literal intent, inviting recipients to
reconsider their perspectives. In the examples, sarcastic tones convey irony
or disbelief, encouraging meaningful dialogue or debate.
From a social interaction perspective, sarcasm in posing questions
signals social norms or values (Hutcheon, 2023). By challenging statements
or beliefs, speakers communicate views on what is considered appropriate.
The examples challenge norms about humor, understanding, and social
responsibility, prompting reflection on societal standards and values.

From a psychological standpoint, sarcasm in making comparisons

involves processes related to social cognition, humor appreciation, and
perspective-taking. It serves as a linguistic tool for highlighting disparities or
absurdities between entities or situations, challenging prevailing beliefs
while eliciting amusement or critical reflection.
Theory of Mind (Sodian, 2014) is relevant, as sarcasm in comparisons
requires perspective-taking. It involves presenting a statement contradicting
the literal meaning, expecting the audience to grasp the intended sarcastic
meaning. Examples like ("like someone in distress," "so filthy," "supposedly
owned house," and "now the face is all puffy and bloated") challenge
conventional perceptions, prompting alternative interpretations.

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From a social cognition perspective, sarcasm in making comparisons

signals social norms or values (Banasik-Jemielniak & Kałowski, 2022). By
highlighting disparities through sarcastic comparisons, speakers implicitly
communicate views on what is considered appropriate. Examples challenge
norms about beauty, wealth, and authenticity, prompting reflection on
societal standards and values.

From a psychological perspective, the use of sarcasm as a form of address

reflects underlying processes related to social interaction, emotion
regulation, and rapport-building. Sarcasm, characterized by its ironic and
exaggerated tones, serves as a playful yet assertive means of engaging or
interacting with others, fostering camaraderie and rapport while also
managing interpersonal dynamics.
One relevant psychological framework is Social Identity Theory
(Hogg, 2016), which suggests that individuals derive their sense of self from
their membership in social groups. Sarcasm can be seen as a communicative
strategy used to signal belongingness and reinforce group cohesion through
shared linguistic norms and practices. In the provided data points, the use of
sarcastic remarks such as "Real Nenek Gayung" (The Real Granny
Broomstick) and "Orgil" (Obstinate) fosters camaraderie and rapport by
engaging recipients in playful banter or teasing, thereby reinforcing social
bonds and group identity.
Moreover, from a social interaction perspective, sarcasm can be
viewed as a form of conversational turn-taking (Park, Lim, Choi, & Sung,
2021), where speakers use linguistic cues to signal their intention to initiate
or continue a conversation. By employing sarcastic language as a form of
address, individuals assert their conversational agency and contribute to the
dynamic flow of discourse, fostering camaraderie and rapport in social
interactions. In the provided data points, the use of sarcastic remarks
conveys a sense of engagement and interaction, prompting recipients to
respond or react in a playful or mocking manner, thereby enhancing social
interactions and relationships.

CONCLUSION
The extensive use of sarcasm in the language style on Instagram
accounts underscores the pervasive nature of this rhetorical device within
the platform's communication landscape. It signifies that a significant
portion of comments and expressions of annoyance by Instagram users are
frequently interwoven with elements of sarcasm, often accompanied by the
use of coarse language found in the comment section. This is indicative of
the diverse ways in which individuals employ sarcasm as a means of
expressing their feelings and opinions.

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Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that while sarcasm is indeed

harnessed to convey annoyance, there are instances where its purpose
extends beyond mere irritation. Sarcasm, in certain cases, is wielded as a tool
to insult or deride others, showcasing the more contentious side of social
media interactions. Nevertheless, it's essential to highlight that the majority
of Instagram users utilize sarcasm for humorous purposes or as a form of
light-hearted banter, particularly when engaging with someone they are
familiar with in a comment conversation. This underscores the nuanced role
of sarcasm in fostering camaraderie and fostering a sense of community
among users.
In conclusion, the prevalence of sarcasm in Instagram language style
is a reflection of the multifaceted nature of online interactions. It
encompasses expressions of annoyance, the use of coarse language,
humorous banter, and even instances of insult. These dynamics collectively
contribute to the rich and diverse tapestry of communication on the
platform, highlighting the need for users to navigate these nuances with an
understanding of the various intentions behind sarcastic expressions.

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AUTHORS
Rini Damayanti is a dedicated faculty member at the University of Wijaya
Kusuma Surabaya (UWKS), where she serves as a lecturer. Her expertise lies
in the realm of Language and Literature, where she passionately imparts
knowledge and cultivates a deeper understanding of linguistic nuances and
literary expressions among her students.

Kaswadi is a respected member of the faculty at the University of Wijaya

Kusuma Surabaya (UWKS) and serves as a lecturer. With a profound

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expertise in Language and Literature, Kaswadi is dedicated to guiding

students in exploring the intricacies of language, unveiling the beauty of
literature, and fostering a deep appreciation for these subjects.

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