The love affair teenagers and young adults have with technology doesn’t necessarily translate into interest in a career in information technology (IT), according to a new study released today by IT industry association CompTIA.

While 97 percent of teens and young adults report loving or liking technology, just 18 percent report a definitive interest in a career in IT, the CompTIA study finds. Lack of familiarity with the IT field is cited as a primary factor contributing to low interest in the career path.

Interest levels jump when teens and young adults are presented with options for specific jobs. Nearly half of the respondents can see themselves designing video games; 41 percent envision creating applications for mobile devices; 39 percent, designing web pages; and 34 percent, applying technology in field such as healthcare or education. Six in ten perceive an IT career as an opportunity to help people.