Existing models of technology adoption and specifically STAM as the most recent model of older mobile phone adoption in the South African context, are based on the idea that users either adopt or reject the technology. However, our findings indicate that more than a third of this user group stagnates in a phase of limited use where they have no inclination to fully adopt or reject the technology. The fact that they continue to use the phone does not necessarily imply adoption. STAM’s exclusion of the appropriation phase was confirmed by our sample – most participants received their phone as a gift. Their intention to use was clearly influenced by the social pressure from children and grandchildren. There is a lack of experimentation and exploration which is partly a consequence of perceived usefulness due to social influence.