Sarkasme di Ruang Digital: Analisis Pragmatik Tindak Tutur Netizen pada Kolom Komentar Instagram @fuji_an

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of sarcastic speech acts used by netizens in the comment section of the Instagram account @fuji_an. Sarcasm in digital interactions often appears implicitly through simple utterances that actually contain hidden meanings in the form of criticism, ridicule, or insult. The objectives of this study are: (1) to describe the forms of sarcastic speech acts in the comments, (2) to reveal the literal meanings and implicatures contained within them, and (3) to explain the pragmatic functions of sarcasm, particularly as insults, defamation, and provocation. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method with data collected through screenshots of Instagram comments, which were then observed and recorded. The data were analyzed using Searle’s speech act theory, which categorizes speech acts into five types: assertive, expressive, directive, commissive, and declarative.  The findings indicate that sarcastic speech acts by netizens most frequently appear in assertive, expressive, and directive forms. Literally, the comments appear simple, yet the implicatures reveal hidden intentions to demean or mock public figures. Pragmatically, these speech acts function as insults by belittling appearance and social environment, as defamation by damaging one’s public image, and as provocation by inciting other netizens to respond negatively. This study highlights the significant role of sarcasm in shaping public discourse on social media and contributes to the study of digital pragmatics within the context of Indonesian culture.