The article analyses of data of a sociological survey of politically active youth who oppose the current government. A new round of protest activity of urban youth is associated with its social well-being, low satisfaction with various aspects of life and the formation of a negative scenario for the future in their mind. The features of value orientations, political identifi cation and image of the future of protest youth are investigated. The results show, on the one hand, a high level of political enlightenment of the respondents, their orientation towards political and legal ideals in their activities. On the other hand, an active-protest strategy of political participation leads to significant costs, opposition to power structures, deterioration in relations with others and conflict, which is reflected in indicators of social well-being.