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Technology is blurring the lines between work and leisure and revealing real tensions between Gen Y, Gen X and baby boomer employees.

A recent LexisNexis survey reveals divergent ideas about what is and isn’t an appropriate use of technology and software in the white-collar workplace:

More than two-thirds (68%) of all boomers agree that hand-held gadgets contribute to a decline in proper workplace etiquette, but less than half (46%) of Gen Y workers do.

More than two-thirds of boomer workers think the use of a laptop during in-person meetings is “distracting” (68%), yet less than half (49%) of Gen Y workers think so.

Only 28% of boomers think that blogging about work-related issues is acceptable. On the other hand, 41% of Gen Y’ers think it’s OK.

While only 38% of boomers think it’s appropriate to befriend a colleague on a social networking site, three-quarters (76%) of Gen Y workers do.

Tip: Since the clash is especially apparent during meetings, try setting “gadget ground rules” for a group that meets regularly, so that everyone knows what behavior is expected—even if not everyone views technology the same way.

Source: LexisNexis’ Technology Gap Survey.