When coffee shops become "shelters"

Order a drink, choose your usual seat, open your laptop to work, or just browse your phone. Many young people are turning coffee shops into their "home" or "second office," a refuge from the pressures of life.

Young people seek out coffee shops as a place for mental "refuge".

A familiar place to "temporarily reside"

In today's fast-paced life, when visiting a coffee shop, it's not uncommon to see young people sitting alone, wearing headphones, staring at screens, with cups of coffee that have long since melted. Some even fall asleep right in the middle of the bustling shop. For them, the coffee shop is no longer simply a place to meet or date, but has become their daily refuge.

Hoang Nam (29 years old, residing in Binh Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) is a regular customer at many cafes in the city center. Living with his family in a three-generation house, Nam has a habit of spending hours at cafes after work, sometimes staying until late at night before going home. “At home with my family, I don’t really have any private space; I always feel suffocated and lacking freedom. Sometimes I go to a cafe just to browse my phone, not to do anything specific, just to breathe, relieve stress, and enjoy the feeling of being alone, without anyone I know,” Hoang Nam shared.

For Do Quang Huy (22 years old, a student at Van Lang University), he often chooses cool, quiet cafes where he can sit and "log in" all day. "Although going regularly costs a considerable amount, I think it's worth it because the cafes I frequent all have air conditioning to escape the heat, strong Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable chairs, enough to sit with my laptop for as long as I want," the student said. In addition, whenever he feels stressed and pressured by life, he immediately thinks of taking refuge at a cafe: "I feel so stifled and lonely going back to my dorm room, so I often go to cafes to reflect on things. The aroma of coffee, the music, and the laughter around me help to clear my mind and lighten my burden."

The story of young people "living" in coffee shops is not unique, but has become a common reality in urban life. This reality reflects the voids that exist in the psychological lives of many young people. Coffee shops, therefore, are not simply places to enjoy a drink, but have become increasingly familiar spiritual "refuges".

Psychological dependence

For Pham Le Ngoc Anh (28 years old, freelance graphic designer, residing in Phu Nhuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), coffee shops are also her "office." She maintains the habit of going to coffee shops regularly to work while feeling connected to the world . Ngoc Anh says: "My work is usually done alone, so I often choose to work in coffee shops. I don't need anyone to talk to me, but I still don't feel sad or lonely. Not to mention, many coffee shops now have very beautiful spaces, creating a sense of enjoyment." She spends nearly 2 million VND per month on this habit, but according to Ngoc Anh, it's a reasonable expense to have better work motivation and maintain a positive spirit.

According to Dr. Giang Thien Vu, a psychologist from the Psychology Department of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, the fact that many people choose cafes as their "hangout" both day and night reflects the current consumer trend among young people, which leans towards emotional experiences. "A positive space creates a feeling of being cared for and reduces stress. Young people are not simply spending money on convenience, but are investing in optimal psychological well-being, considering it the foundation for sustainable work and a better quality of life," Dr. Giang Thien Vu analyzed.

Regularly going to cafes for "escape" reflects a need to break free from pressure and find a comfortable space to relieve mental stress, even if only for a few hours. However, young people need to draw a line between "self-care" and "avoidance." To avoid becoming dependent, going to cafes should be clearly defined as a relaxing activity, a temporary solution, and not a mandatory condition for maintaining a comfortable mood. A stable mental life comes from the ability to feel at peace even when not in an ideal space, rather than being dependent on a specific location.

When coffee shops become the only place where someone feels comfortable, it could also be a sign that they are delaying confronting real issues, such as family, work, or mental health. “If not properly managed, this can also affect personal safety. At some point, they will become dependent on the familiar space, unable to achieve mental stability without it,” Dr. Giang Thien Vu noted.

LAN VY

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/khi-quan-ca-phe-thanh-noi-tru-an-post852862.html