tech
May 2, 2026
'Frutinovelas': AI Reinvents Melodrama on Social Media with Fruits and Sexist Stereotypes
The ‘frutinovelas’, a viral format created with artificial intelligence, reinvent melodrama on social media with fruit characters, but generate controversy for reproducing sexist stereotypes and low-quality content.
TL;DR
- AI-generated fruit characters are starring in a viral trend called 'frutinovelas', parodying classic soap operas.
- These micro-dramas, typically 1-3 minutes long, achieve millions of interactions on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
- The format faces controversy for perpetuating sexist stereotypes, portraying female fruits as either submissive wives or hypersexualized villains.
- Male characters often embody toxic 'bad boy' or womanizer roles, with their attitudes romanticized or justified within the plot.
- Experts warn that 'frutinovelas' contribute to 'brain rot,' characterized by low-quality content that impairs critical thinking and attention spans.
- The original creator, William Andrés Rico, developed the format using AI tools like ChatGPT and avatar software on a laptop.
- The trend's success is attributed to its ability to be engaging with minimal effort, providing a distraction from negative emotions.