Multiplex relational event models of self-reported and perceived gossip

Gossiping is a complex social phenomenon that unfolds through multiple types of relations. Among other things, individuals may initiate gossiping about others as a result of believing themselves to be the target of gossip. These two processes, i.e., gossiping and gossip perception, form a dynamic multiplex network, where self-reported and perceived gossip ties coexist and can influence each other over time. We develop a multiplex relational event model to study the joint evolution of these two processes. The proposed model includes endogeneous covariates that capture the influence of events occurring within one layer, as well as events occurring on the other layer, on the rate of self-reported and perceived gossiping. We analyze survey data collected annually from 44 secondary schools in Hungary. We show how a multiplex relational event model, including linear, smooth and random effects, is able to describe the social mechanisms operating within and between self-reported and perceived gossiping and to capture how these two layers influence each other over time.