One reason, I suspect, that younger people are cynical about democracy and open to "socialism" is that they did not grow up with the USSR, Mao, & Pol Pot & don't learn about them in school. "Totalitarian Studies are Sorely Needed"

“Two cheers for democracy” -- E. M. Forster. "Democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried.” -- Winston Churchill.