It is true that around the time the microwave started becoming a popular way of preparing your food there was a sharp decline in the number of people making their dinner from scratch. However, this decline of "chef culture" was accompanied with much larger political and social change, most notably the feminist movement. It used to be the woman's job to slave over a meal for the family every day, but as women started seeking equal rights, the microwave and TV dinners became an engine for emancipation, a way for women to maintain their household fed while cutting down on housework.<p>My point being, while technology can enable and accelerate social and cultural changes, it usually is not enough. Usually there must also be a "real" movement where that technology fits. I think this applies to the iPad.