An Analysis Of Connotative Meanings Found In Social Media

This study aims to determine how connotative meaning emerges and is used in social media user comments, particularly on Instagram and Twitter. Connotative meaning is chosen because it is capable of expressing the emotional, expressive, and even subtle insinuations of users without having to say it directly, especially the concept of connotative meaning attached to words or expressions based on Geoffrey Leech's theory of meaning. This study uses a descriptive qualitative
approach. Data are collected from various social media posts, then categorized and analyzed based on three main characteristics of connotative meaning, namely: shared by other communicative systems, unstable and open-ended. Connotative meaning is shared by other communicative systems, seen in comments that convey feelings implicitly. Connotative meaning is unstable, seen in the different interpretations of a single comment by different people. Meanwhile, connotative meaning is open-ended reflected in how comments are greatly influenced by the writer's personal point of view. Language is not only used to convey information, but also functions as a means of self- xpression that is rich in implied meaning. By understanding connotative meaning, people can be more sensitive to the
hidden messages behind seemingly simple comments. The results of the analysis show that connotative meaning not only enriches communication on social media, but also serves as a way for users to convey messages in a deep, personal, and nuanced manner.