No, you should not just create new folders called "Desktop," "Documents," and "Downloads" and delete the broken aliases.
On macOS, those special directories in your home folder (/Users/username/) are system-managed user directories, not ordinary folders. Simply deleting the aliases and making standard folders will break how macOS, Finder, and various apps handle your user data, permissions, and system integration.
You will notice that the icons for those system-created folders are distinct from regular, user-created folders.
What is actually happening
When Dropbox’s backup feature is enabled, it moves your actual Desktop, Documents, and Downloads folders into the Dropbox folder and leaves symlinks/aliases in your user directory pointing to them. When you deleted your Dropbox account (or app) without turning off the backup feature first, those real folders were either deleted, moved into a "Dropbox (Old Backups)" folder, or scrubbed, leaving behind dead pointers.
What you should do instead
- Check your Dropbox account online (if recoverable): If you deleted your Dropbox account recently (usually within 30 days), you may still be able to log in at Dropbox or check your deleted files/trash inside Dropbox to restore the original folders and disable the Mac backup feature properly.
- If you deleted the Dropbox app, reinstall it, launch it and disable Dropbox Backup from within the app.
- Look for hidden or relocated folders: Check your /Users/yourusername/ directory or an old Dropboxfolder residue (if any exists on your drive) to see if Dropbox stashed your real files in a folder like Dropbox (Old Mac Backup) or similar. You can use Spotlight or look in your user folder.
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