A Semiotic Analysis of Meme in @Thatstudentpage Instagram Account

Abstract

This research aims to examine three main components of memes: signs, objects, and interpretants and explained the semiotic meanings represented by the memes themselves using Charles Sanders Peirce's theory. The method used in this research was a qualitative descriptive method because, as a whole, it explained how the process of sign formation and the meaning of the sign were carried out through Miles, Huberman, and Saldana frameworks. The results of this research indicated that the memes in @thatstudentpage Instagram account reflected various aspects of student life, including academic challenges, social pressures, and experiences in the university environment. These results provided insight into how memes were used as tools of expression and communication among students. Based on the analysis, 5 sinsigns, 5 qualisigns, 10 icons, 4 dicisigns, and 6 rhemes were found in the memes. Memes in this research often used icons derived from cartoons because of their humorous and easily appealing pictures to the readers. The interpretant in the memes was adjusted to the situation depicted in the pictures.