[MD] Step two

[Craig Erb]

[Arlo]
>
The basis for social patterns is, IMHO, "activity" (in the Russian sense; 
> purposeful, agenic, semiotic, mediated). And the root, the carbon atom,
> for activity is shared attention.

IMHO the root of social activity is shared INtention, rather than shared ATtention.  Two people aware of each other watching a bird are not necessarily engaged in a social activity, but merely a biological activity.
It only becomes a ritual if there is shared intention.
 
Craig