SNAP Panic Scale

1 min read

A fast diagnostic to gauge pressure, confusion, and decision lag in teams moving through AI adoption.

SNAP Panic Scale

Scale-Novelty Acuity Positioning

This scale works well for AI-induced panic or any other massive-change moments where you are trying to decide how worried to be, or how to deal with others who are getting existentially panicky.

  1. Impossible. At least with any theories we’ve got so far.
  2. Plausible. Could happen, hasn’t much that we know of.
  3. Scaled. Old problem, new magnitude.
  4. Novel. New threat playbook required.
  5. Acute. THIS IS HAPPENING TO ME NOW OMG WTF!!!

Why It Works

Most frameworks confuse “more of the same” with “something genuinely new.” SNAP separates them. That 3→4 jump is everything. Level 3 means the fire department needs more trucks. Level 4 means the fire doesn’t respond to water.

We sincerely hope you have no need for this scale today. But the next time you have to type and triage panic on the fly, try using your best SNAP judgment.

If you want a tailored version for your team, contact us.