Open Journal of Social Sciences, 2024, 12, 187-227 https://www.scirp.org/journal/jss ISSN Online: 2327-5960 ISSN Print: 2327-5952 DOI: 10.4236/jss.2024.124014 Apr. 22, 2024 187 Open Journal of Social Sciences Investigating Media Selection through ChatGPT: An Exploratory Study on Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Aid of Instructional Design Boaventura DaCosta * , Carolyn Kinsell Solers Research Group, Orlando, USA Abstract In instructional design (ID), the selection of appropriate media (in the facili- tation of learning) is crucial yet complex. This study proposes that artificial intelligence (AI), particularly ChatGPT, an advanced large language model, holds the potential to streamline the media selection process. Aimed at as- sisting instructional designers and educators, this investigation explores the efficacy of ChatGPT in recommending suitable instructional delivery systems. A media selection tool built with ChatGPT was used to review a series of in- structional tasks, mirroring the work of the authors who did the same using traditional methods. The results from both approaches were then compared and studied, revealing similarities and differences in their media decisions, showing that the AI and authors went “off script” from their training and guidance, respectively. The findings demonstrate ChatGPT’s capacity to ex- pedite analyses and offer varied insights, thereby enriching the instructional process while also raising concerns regarding the need to evaluate its outputs, inputs (i.e., prompts), and potential biases in training data carefully. Overall, this research concludes that generative AI presents novel approaches and op- portunities within ID, offering significant benefits. It underscores the trans- formative impact of AI tools like ChatGPT and advocates for continued ex- ploration into their integration and influence within the field of ID. Keywords Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Delivery Systems, Generative AI, Instructional Design, Media Selection 1. Introduction Media selection stands as a pivotal aspect within instructional systems design How to cite this paper: DaCosta, B., & Kinsell, C. (2024). Investigating Media Selec- tion through ChatGPT: An Exploratory Study on Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Aid of Instructional Design. Open Jour- nal of Social Sciences, 12, 187-227. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2024.124014 Received: February 15, 2024 Accepted: April 19, 2024 Published: April 22, 2024 Copyright © 2024 by author(s) and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Open Access