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This article aims to examine the dynamics of sarcasm language use by students of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the State Islamic University of North Sumatra (UINSU) in their interactions on Instagram social media. The urgency of this research arises from the observation that sarcasm, although often used as a communication tool, frequently leads to misinterpretations and interpersonal conflicts in the digital context that lacks non-verbal cues. This study adopts a qualitative case study approach with a constructivist paradigm, using thematic analysis techniques to interpret data obtained through in-depth interviews and observation of social media activities. Data validity testing was conducted through source triangulation to ensure the reliability of the findings. The research results indicate that students have significantly varied understandings of sarcasm, which is often misinterpreted as serious communication, leading to undesired emotional reactions. In the segment "Social Cognition: Student Poll on Sarcastic Comments on Instagram," it was found that although students could identify sarcasm, emotional reactions to sarcasm varied, indicating a need for higher digital literacy to effectively manage and process information in social interactions. The discussion in this article emphasizes that sarcasm on social media, while being a dynamic expression tool, requires deep contextual understanding to avoid misinterpretation. Therefore, enhancing media literacy is crucial to help students understand communication nuances and reduce the risk of misunderstandings in digital interactions. This study highlights the importance of effective digital literacy education, which not only enhances students' communication skills but also prepares them to navigate the complex and often ambiguous digital ecosystem.
Yasmin et al. (Wed,) studied this question.