There is a lot of controversy nowadays concerning the growing trend of studying in cafes. 

Many people claim that customers studying in cafes are causing them a great deal of inconvenience.

Social distancing and time restrictions in public places were loosened as the COVID-19 cases started to decline. 

Hence, a growing number of  individuals gained greater access to public places more often. 

This also led to an increasing number of people studying in cafes.

Although there are no regulations against studying in cafés, some folks complained about the public disturbance caused by  those people who are studying in cafes.

There are some instances where people study in the cafe for extended periods of time, which prevent other people from using the cafe facilities freely 

Another common inconvenience is when  people reserve a table for four people and use one table for their laptop and the other for a book or notebook

The owners of coffee shops complained, "because of the people who purchase one drink and study in the cafe for enduring hours, there are no profits." They also  added, "some people even put their studying materials and go out to eat meals" 

According to a survey, more than 80 percent of people study at cafes and stay for an average of four to five hours. This has a great impact on the cafes’ profit.

Additionally, there were several instances where café customers had to receive warnings to be quiet or got letters to stop talking.

One cafe user expressed embarrassment, saying, "One of the costumer who was studying in the cafe asked me to go down to the first floor if I would continue talking because everyone is studying," she added, "If I can't talk at the cafe, I don't get the purpose of the cafe anymore."

Due to an  increase in such complaints , some cafes removed Wi-Fi and plugs or posted notices asking people to refrain from studying at cafes for a long time.

On the other hand, people who study at cafes claim  that studying at cafes increases their concentration compared to study cafes or libraries, which are too quiet.

They argued that it was an obvious right of the customers to decide on how to use the cafes. 

They also said that they are not different from those people who talk for a long time at the cafe.

One of the student who studies at cafe said, "It is not reasonable to restrain me from using the cafe just because I am studying," he continued, "It's a problem for some unconscious people, but there is nothing wrong with studying at the cafe"

As the number of people using the cafe continually increases, it is difficult to find cafes where people do not study. 

It seems to be impossible to remove all the people who study at cafes.

Thus, people are trying to find a reasonable compromise. 

For example, not using a table for more than two people when studying alone, or if planned to remain longer than three hours, getting an additional drink.

Regarding the opinion that using the cafe for a long time could be a burden to the cafe, people studying at the cafe said, "We can feel the problem that the cafe owners are experiencing," they added, "We'll consider the idea and try to adjust."

Not every person that studies at cafes gives discomfort to the customers. 

There are some people who quietly study for a few hours and leave the cafe.

Some people who are completely against etiquette perpetuate a negative stereotype for  everyone who studies at cafes.

Therefore, the best method to address the issue would be to use cafes with consideration for one another rather than criticizing or giving limitations to cafe studies.

Hyunjin Lee
Grade 9
Cheongna Dalton School