MEMES AS CULTURAL REFLECTION: A CASE STUDY OF HUMOROUS DEPICTIONS OF MARIÁN KOČNER AND THEIR SOCIETAL MEANING
MEMES AS CULTURAL REFLECTION: A CASE STUDY OF HUMOROUS DEPICTIONS OF MARIÁN KOČNER AND THEIR SOCIETAL MEANING

Summary/Abstract: This study examines how internet memes function as reflections of public opinion and digital culture. It focuses on humorous portrayals of Marián Kočner, a Slovak businessman imprisoned for financial crimes and under suspicion of orchestrating the murder of an investigative journalist and his fiancée. Widely known to the Slovak public, Kočner has become a frequent subject of online satire. Using mixed-method content analysis, the research identifies key narratives and sentiments conveyed in popular memes. Drawing on classical theories of humour – superiority, relief, and incongruity – the study demonstrates how memes act as both entertainment and instruments of social commentary, emotional expression, and grassroots critique.

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