As a college instructor I can answer that question for my class.

I tell my students that I don't like strangers, so we need to get to know each other so that I can like them (which is true). However, the biggest reason is that college is difficult. Students with more connections are more likely to graduate.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10271819/

Some students are not going to seek out these spaces with other folks on their own, but everybody in college (undergrad) has to go to class. So, I do what I can to facilitate connections among students because it is in their best interest.

I try to put students in small groups and have a "connection question" every class. "Talk about your kids, pets, or plants" doesn't have to be super personal or invasive, but it does allow you to feel like you know somebody. I like groups of 3-4. The smaller the group, the more each member talks. When we get back together they can share with everyone if they want.