The speaker, a digital rights activist, emphasizes the necessity for society to transition towards open and decentralized social networks. They argue that social networks have become essential infrastructure, and thus, users should have control over them. The current centralized models place too much trust in a single entity, which can stifle innovation and adaptability. The speaker suggests that social networks should allow for diverse models of curation and moderation, enabling anyone to contribute to solving existing social media challenges. This approach would encourage innovation and allow for the evolution of social networks in line with societal changes.