Studying at a cafe is common, but expecting everyone around you to stay silent may be asking for too much.
That is what many Malaysians are saying after a cafe-related complaint went viral online.
The discussion started after a Threads user claimed that they were “shushed” while chatting at a cafe, prompting a debate over whether coffee shops should be treated as study spots or public spaces for people to relax and socialise.
‘If you want silence, go to the library’
In the post, the user reminded students that coffee shops and cafes are not libraries.
Take note students, cafes are not places to study. If you want to study in silence, go to the library,” the user wrote.
The user added that cafes are meant for people to chat with friends and chill, not places where customers should be expected to keep their voices down.
According to the user, they were allegedly “shushed” by students after talking loudly at the cafe.
“Cafes are for people to chat with friends and chill. But they even shushed us when we were talking loudly. Cafes should take action about it,” the user claimed.
Netizens say cafes are public spaces
The post quickly sparked a heated discussion, with many Malaysians agreeing that students should not expect complete silence in a public cafe.
One commenter said it is perfectly fine to study at a cafe, but students should be prepared for the noise that comes with it.
Another netizen said those who choose to study in public places should use headphones or earbuds instead of asking others to be quiet.
Some also pointed out that cafes and eateries are naturally places where people gather to talk, meet friends, have work discussions, or simply enjoy their time.
One user even shared that they had allegedly been glared at by students while visiting ZUS Coffee with their wife, saying cafes are places where people talk about work, life, and gossip too.
Some say customers should not be too loud either
However, not everyone fully sided with the original poster.
Some netizens said that while cafes are not libraries, customers should still be considerate and avoid speaking so loudly that the entire cafe can hear them.
One commenter said that cafes may be places to chill, but that does not mean groups should combine several tables and talk as though they are at a mamak stall.
The OP later clarified that they were not speaking loudly all the time, but only laughed loudly a few times, adding that they still had common sense.
View on Threads
