Sure it is loosing , Just look at the bitcoin price today , lossing , loosing and loosing.
No, it is just the strategies of whales and some bad news happened in other countries that is why the price is dropping. But I am sure that bitcoin will recover again soon. Maybe in march or in mid of this year. I heard that what is happening now with bitcoin is normal and it will recover soon.
I don't think bitcoin is losing its popularity because everyday there are people who willingly join the bitcoin community. Of course there are times when the prices increases then decreases or vice versa but it is just the nature of the bitcoin this is due to the changes in the market. However, I am certain that bitcoin will grow even more in the future.