The article theoretically and empirically studies social risks in the activities of social movements in the urban agglomeration of St. Petersburg. As a result, the most significant social risks of manipulation of consciousness, the attitude of participants in social movements to risks were established, the composition of risks and possible ambivalent consequences were determined. The implementation of social monitoring to study risks is substantiated. A survey was conducted of participants and leaders of social movements of the urban agglomeration for their attitude to risks.