> F*ck fake. Share real experiences.

The visual design choice to use a fake chat transcript to explain your product is rather at odds with your slogan.

> Our super sophisticated and dynamic algorithm generates unique interest groups.

Also the choice to use a hand-drawn aesthetic for highlighting text is rather at odds with the algorithmic nature of the network.

And an astronaut is the most disconnected a human can be from Earth, so it seems a strange choice as a mascot for a social network. The scale of the astronaut (with face hidden) as large enough to play with the earth as a toy only strengthens the stereotype of social media being a mysterious, powerful and malign force.

Personally I don't think it's bad, but for me the design fails to reinforce the mission of "...building authentic connections...".

I wouldn’t call that retro design exactly. It looks like a mix of old html style and modern flat design to me.

That said, “non-pretty” can work well for users. Look at Craigslist. Or various image boards.

The cities concept is interesting

I love the aesthetic and the general idea, but honestly

Based on your location and preferred activities you will automatically become part of interest groups.

Do not love this. That's just me though, I'm a bit fatigued with algorithms deciding the parameters of my affinity presences and preferences online. Either way, good luck!

The graphic design is of little importance, other than marketing to a limited audience who enjoys that sort of thing. The real issue is what’s going on, under the hood, away from curious eyes.

Looking nice does not make it more trustworthy.