The era of Glasnost, which translates to "openness" or "transparency," was a period of significant change in the Soviet Union, initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s. This policy aimed to reform the Soviet economy and increase transparency in government. For Russian teens, Glasnost brought about a cultural and social revolution, impacting their lives in various ways.

For Russian teens in the third generation, Glasnost meant experiencing a level of freedom and openness that their parents and grandparents could only dream of. This generation, born in the 1970s and 1980s, witnessed firsthand the gradual dismantling of Soviet-era restrictions on media, speech, and assembly. They saw the rise of independent media outlets, the circulation of uncensored information, and the emergence of public debates on previously taboo topics.

Teenagers during the glasnost period experienced a unique blend of traditional Soviet values and the burgeoning influence of Western culture. The once highly controlled media landscape gave way to a diverse array of publications, and television began to air programs that were previously unthinkable. This newfound access to information and diverse viewpoints had a profound impact on the youth, encouraging a more critical and questioning mindset.