THE USE OF HUMOR IN SOCIAL MEDIA: TWITTER

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the types of humor mostly used on Twitter using Shade’s theory (1996) and analyze the functions of humor found on Twitter using Hay’s theory (2000). To conduct this research, researchers used a qualitative descriptive method. Researchers observed 8 accounts on Twitter. There are 2 results from this research. First, there are 30 amounts of humor found on Twitter. 6 out of 12 types of verbal humor were found, namely; riddle (5), pun (1), joke (2), satire (4), irony (6), and sarcasm (2). So, it can be concluded that the types of humor mostly used on Twitter is irony. Second, the functions of humor found on Twitter are solidarity function, to share (2), to highlight similarities or capitalize on shared experiences (1), to clarify and maintain boundaries (1), and to tease (3). Power function, to foster conflict (1), to challenge and set boundaries (1). Psychological function, to cope with a contextual problem (1). So, the function of humor found on Twitter is predominantly a solidarity function.