Picture this: a candidate nervously tapping away at their keyboard during an interview. The question is simple enough—explain the difference between `ArrayList` and `LinkedList`. But suddenly, their hand slips toward their phone, and within seconds, ChatGPT provides a polished response. The interviewer doesn’t see it, but the question hangs in the air: is this cheating, or is the candidate showing off how they can use modern tools to solve problems efficiently?

In today’s high-pressure world of tech interviews, candidates often face tricky technical questions, and sometimes even seasoned professionals find themselves thrown off balance. But is it really so wrong to use AI to assist during an interview? Or is this just a sign of the times, where adapting to technology is more important than memorizing answers?

The “No” Camp: Honesty Above All

Some interviewers see this as a red flag. “It’s almost always an instant no for me,” says one senior engineer, comparing it to cheating on a test. For these professionals, the interview is about assessing what a candidate truly knows, not what they can quickly Google. To them, if someone relies on AI or search engines during the first meeting, how can they trust them to work independently or solve problems honestly on the job?

It seems reasonable: if you want the job, show that you know your stuff without external help. But is that really the world we live in?

The “Yes” Camp: Welcome to the Future

 Others argue that in the modern tech landscape, it’s less about what you know off the top of your head and more about how quickly and effectively you can find the right solution. One startup enthusiast makes the point: why cram your brain with terminology when you can find the exact information you need in seconds? It’s about efficiency, not memorization.

Imagine this scenario: you’re an engineer, and your project hits a snag. Do you waste hours flipping through books, or do you search online, find the answer, and solve the problem quickly? Isn’t that a skill in itself?

To Google or Not to Google? That Is the Question

Here’s the crux of the debate: where do we draw the line? Some experts argue that knowing how to say “I don’t know” is more valuable than pretending to be all-knowing. After all, no one has all the answers, and being honest about your knowledge gaps builds trust in future collaborations. But others feel that in a tech-driven world, the ability to quickly find and apply information is key—and that might mean Googling or using AI tools like ChatGPT.

Some even point out that many interview questions focus too much on theory rather than practical application. Maybe in these cases, using tools to get past theoretical hurdles and focus on real-world problem-solving isn’t cheating at all—it’s smart.

AI vs. Human: Who Wins?

Let’s be real: artificial intelligence is here to stay, and it’s only getting better. If interviewers can use AI to craft their questions, why shouldn’t candidates use AI to craft their answers? The future will favor those who can harness AI effectively, not those who can memorize trivia.

Does that mean we should abandon traditional interviews? Not quite. The issue isn’t about whether a candidate uses Google or ChatGPT; it’s about how they use it. If they blindly copy-paste an answer, that’s a problem. But if they can find the right solution, understand it, and apply it, that’s a win. Ultimately, employers care about whether the person can solve problems on the job.

Where Do We Go from Here?

As one creative director put it, “The most effective people in the future won’t be the ones who know everything but the ones who can leverage AI the best.” It’s hard to argue with that. AI is becoming a vital part of many industries, and those who can work utilizing it will have a competitive edge.

So, should you Google during an interview? It depends on how you do it. The ability to adapt, use technology wisely, and remain transparent—that’s what separates a true professional from someone simply trying to cheat the system.

In a world where every second counts, being fast, flexible, and capable of finding the right answers is perhaps the most valuable skill a candidate can have. In that sense, artificial intelligence isn’t the enemy; it’s a tool that can help you succeed.