Memesas cultural reflection

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.‎