In this article we explore how online daters use technology to assess and manage the real and perceived risks associated with online dating. Online in depth interviews were conducted with 29 participants. The interview transcripts were analysed using thematic
analysis. All participants believed that online dating was risky in some manner. To manage these risks participants used technology in various ways: to assist them in assessing authenticity and compatibility, to limit their self disclosure and exposure, to
undertake surveillance of others and to control their online interactions. The participants made pragmatic use of the technologies available to them to minimise the risks, deploying risk management strategies throughout their online dating experiences.