I've given it some thought and the reason that I, a metal-loving, game-playing, 19 year old male college student enjoy My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is because the characters have depth and personality. They're not a monotone bunch of cartoon characters that do the same thing every episode. Each character has their own archetype (personality), likes, and psychoses (stuff that drives them crazy) that we as viewers can relate to, and this is why I consider it one of the best cartoons of the 2000-2010 decade (granted I haven't seen many). The psychology used in the show's design (if any) was brilliant! And as it was designed to be a "family" show and not a "children's" show, some aspects that it touches on are easier for older audiences to pick up rather in a run-of-the-mill girly show.
Like other Bronies have said, give it a shot. It starts out a little corny but it really utilizes elements of cartoon humor in later episodes. And I while I don't necessarily care for all the musical numbers, I can certainly stomach them more than the stuff that comes out of the radio. If you don't like it, fine. At least you'll be able to say more than "It looks gay."
I'm sure if this was a fad, it would've ended by now.
