The dynamics of changes and transformations taking place in Russian society at the present time, intensified by the processes of globalization, digitalization, etc., inevitably correct traditions and change the value priorities, especially of young people. When choosing priority goals for the country in new conditions, it is important to understand what modifications of culture in general and folk culture are characteristic of the mentality of Russian society. Since the exclusive right to make a value judgment belongs to their bearer, but not to outside observers, it is important to have an idea of whether modern Russian youth inherits or does not inherit the experience of previous generations, whether they are capable of reproducing cultural patterns, transforming the social experience of their ancestors with their own innovative creativity and transmitting it future generations. Interiorizing external and internal images of the world for Russia, actively responding to cultural challenges and risks, the younger generation expands/narrows its needs and interests, becoming an autonomous subject of folk culture, making a choice among the many proposed values and lifestyles, including previous generations, relaying them, which actualizes the need for comprehensive research on youth in general, and students in particular. The material is devoted to the urgent problem of preserving cultural heritage and intergenerational connections in modern Russian society. Data obtained during the federal study of the Russian Society of Sociologists «Cultural Heritage and Connections of Generations» (2022) make it possible to identify the attitude of young people to current issues, including the preservation of cultural heritage.