With nearly 200 million U.S. Facebook users in 2016, Facebook is experiencing social blowback specifically from user postings of a political nature that could negatively impact or slow future growth.

Facebook satisfaction levels in the latest Bridge Ratings Facebook performance study have deteriorated in recent months (see chart to the right).

The Facebook Satisfaction Study IV was conducted throughout 2015 and 2016 and as we saw dissatisfaction levels increase, we continued tracking Facebook user attitudes into January 2017.

Of all age groups in our sample, satisfaction levels among 35-44 year olds decreased the most between 2012 and 2017 (25%-41%).

Considering the large user base Facebook enjoys, these percentages make a significant statement about the mood of the country and how social media is affecting behaviors on and off line.

The following chart is based on a recent analysis posted by Statista showing the U.S. user growth of Facebook.

This analysis was created prior to the U.S. election in 2016.