The Role of Facebook and Twitter in Social Movements: A Study on the July 15 Coup Attempt in Turkey
Abstract
There is currently a considerable degree of discussion focusing on the relationship between social
movements and digital platforms. This paper investigates the role played by several social media platforms
(Twitter and Facebook) in the coup attempt in Turkey on July 15th, 2016. It includes an analysis of web
content to establish ways to understand the usage of social and digital media by Turkish citizens on the July
15 coup. The research uses qualitative content analysis, including: (1) an examination of tweets and trending
hashtags on Twitter; and (2) an examination of Facebook pages and groups, including photographs, videos
and comments. This study indicates that Twitter and Facebook played a vital role in the resistance of citizens
against the coup attempt, which was organised by the Gulenist terrorist organisation, through the provision
of effective communication between activists, along with their effective mobilisation and the process of
establishing a common identity. The study also demonstrates how photographs and videos shared on social
websites became positive motivators both during and following the 15th of July coup attempt.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Communication and Media Studies
Journal Section
Erratum
Authors
Semra Demirdiş
*
This is me
United Kingdom
Publication Date
June 30, 2024
Submission Date
-
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2024 Number: 45