Digital Media, Cinema, and Social Change: A Study of Student Perspectives in North Maharashtra Region

profoundly impacted contemporary social structures, attitudes, and behaviors, especially among young people. This research investigates how college students in the North Maharashtra area view the influence of digital media and cinema on social transformation. An analysis of how digital content consumption influences social awareness, value systems, cultural identity, and behavioral change was conducted by administering a structured questionnaire to undergraduate and postgraduate students from selected colleges in Jalgaon, Dhule, and Nandurbar districts. The study employs a descriptive research design, utilizing quantitative analysis, to uncover patterns of media influence. The results suggest that digital media has evolved into a significant means for enhancing social consciousness, altering daily behaviors, shaping public opinion on social matters, and redefining youthful ambitions. Film remains a crucial factor in defining cultural and ethical viewpoints. The study underscores the dual role of media, functioning as both a tool for empowerment and a risk factor for cultural misrepresentation. The document concludes by discussing the implications of integrating media literacy into academic curricula, focusing on policies and educational strategies.