I like folk (certain types, specifically trad folk). At the same time though, I like a few pop songs.
As to why people my age are more attracted to pop, I think it's because we see ourselves in the lyrics of pop songs which are mostly about love and common worries that we all have but don't like to share.
As for trad folk, the song is usually about someone else and is romanticised to a point where I can't imagine myself in the same situation, so most young people couldn't care for folk.
People my age like to be understood. I do, my friends do. So because we "connect" with pop songs on an emotional level, it's not a surprise that we like it.
Getting youths to like folk though... hm, you'll need an open minded bunch. It's absolutely possible a lot of young people can be attracted to folk music given the right environment.
I was forced to sing a lot of folk songs when I was 6-10 years old and I'm pretty sentimental, also I like old-timey stuff so I like folk music. But then getting those who like to be in the 'now'... well I think you see what I mean.
I'm not trying to make myself out as different. These are what I gather from myself and people my age, just to give an explanation as to why we like pop and don't entirely enjoy folk. Of course I know people my age who like folk too, and classical music, but this is my observation.