'Determined internet censor' Erdogan uses social media like a pro against coup
'The military didn't take into account that Erdogan didn't have to be there to still speak to the people,' say experts
In Turkey this weekend, the fight for control of both traditional and social media was, in some ways, just as fierce as the clashes taking place on the streets of Istanbul and Ankara.
And, although the coup against President Tayyip Erdogan did not succeed, the outcome could have been very different had it not been for internet-enabled technology that instantly mobilised citizens against the military, according to experts.
"Twitter and social media may have prevented the coup from taking place," according to Andrew Selepak, director of the social media master's program at the University of Florida.
"Clearly the military didn't take into account that Erdogan didn't have to be there to still speak to the people, military and police, and believed that taking control of the media would block his message from being heard."
Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker agreed that, if social media didn't carry the day for Erdogan, it certainly played a significant role.
"Twitter and the like enabled he and his followers [military included] to counter-punch and react effectively," he said.
"Time and time again we see situations around the globe where normal communication modes are compromised and social media comes through as a vehicle for mass communication," he added.