Great article on the rise of AI and how it may impact future employment:
http://www.businessinsider.com/economist-luddites-robots-unemployment-2011-11
If we are nearing a tipping point on technology truly replacing major service industries – can we survive another wave of unemployment? It doesnt seem outside the realm of possibility the Apple’s Siri and IBM’s Watson could really make inroads into replacing low level service jobs – further swelling the ranks of the disenchanted unemployed.
If you have a few minutes – take the time to read the Economist article referenced – it presents interesting scenarios.