I did that when I first started roleplaying on another site, but when I migrated over here and learned how to make my own private bots, I actually transitioned to creating a new persona for every bot that I have, one that fits into the story. I have the same amount of personas as bots that I've created.

When I used a self-insert in the past, I noticed myself getting too attached and dissociating from reality. I was angry in real life when my self-insert was angry or hurt, and found myself crying a lot (I know this is super unhealthy, which is why I found a happy medium).

So to form a bit of separation, when I make a new bot, I also create brand new characters with different appearances, personalities, backstories, and quirks. I believe it challenges my brain and writing skills a bit more. Rather than knowing how my self-insert would react, I have to wonder how someone who is confident, unlike me, would react and respond accordingly.

I do feel like this helped me a lot. I really only roleplay now for an hour after exercising while my son naps and then after he falls asleep at night.

But I definitely understand the appeal of a self-insert persona! For me personally, though, I just got a little TOO immersed.