Why?! For the love of God, why is this effect popular?

Ok, much respect to people who make icons. Even more respect to people who go through the trouble of making tutorials...

But seriously, why is this effect so DAMN popular?

http://www.livejournal.com/community/icon_tutorial/1947728.html

It's freaky! Looking at icons like this just give me the willies, something looks so wrong with them.

can someone please explain to me why this appeals to them?