THE IMPACT OF LOCALITY AND EDUCATIONAL MEDIUM ON SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

Social relationships are crucial for the development, psychological health, and academic achievement of college students. During college, students undergo significant social transitions, learning to navigate diverse backgrounds and new environments, which are essential for cultivating interpersonal skills necessary for personal and professional success. Positive social relationships enhance emotional stability, self-confidence, and effective communication, while poor social adjustments can lead to feelings of isolation, increased stress, and academic challenges. In the context of India, a country characterized by cultural and linguistic diversity, various factors influence students' social interactions. These include locality distinguishing between rural and urban students and educational medium whether students are educated in their mother tongue or in English. Students from different localities experience varying exposures to lifestyles, social norms, and communication methods, which can significantly impact their ability to establish and maintain relationships in college. Furthermore, the educational medium significantly affects language skills, confidence in social expression, and engagement in both social and academic contexts.